The Meaning Behind The Song: Fanfare For The Common Man by Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” is an iconic musical piece that has endured for more than 75 years. It was written in 1942 during the height of World War II – a period of turmoil and uncertainty. Copland’s composition, with its soaring melodies and triumphant harmonies, was a celebration of the common man and an homage to the spirit of the American people. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this inspiring piece of music.
Background on Aaron Copland
Before diving into the meaning of “Fanfare for the Common Man,” it’s important to understand something about the man who wrote it. Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was an American composer, teacher, and conductor. He was one of the most significant figures in 20th-century classical music. Copland’s music often had a distinctly American flavor, and he was known for his use of folk melodies and rhythms in his compositions.
The Inspiration Behind “Fanfare for the Common Man”
In the summer of 1942, Eugene Goossens, the conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, wrote to Copland asking him to write a fanfare for the orchestra’s next season. Goossens had been inspired by a speech given by Vice President Henry Wallace, in which Wallace spoke of the “common man” and his role in the war effort. He suggested that such a fanfare would be an appropriate tribute to the spirit of the American people during wartime.
In response to Goossens’ request, Copland wrote “Fanfare for the Common Man.” The piece was premiered on March 12, 1943, to great acclaim. The audience responded with a standing ovation, and Copland knew that he had struck a chord with his music.
The Musical Elements of “Fanfare for the Common Man”
“Fanfare for the Common Man” is a short piece of music, lasting just over three minutes. It is scored for brass and percussion instruments only, with no strings. The opening chords feature a repeated motif that has been likened to a trumpet call. This motif is then taken up by the other brass instruments, creating a sense of building excitement and anticipation.
The second section of the fanfare features a more melodic theme, played by the French horns. This theme is characterized by its soaring, triumphant quality and is accompanied by a driving rhythm played by the percussion instruments.
Finally, the fanfare returns to its opening motif, building to a powerful crescendo as all the instruments join in. The listener is left with a sense of triumph and celebration.
The Meaning Behind “Fanfare for the Common Man”
So, what is the meaning behind “Fanfare for the Common Man”? At its most basic level, the piece is a celebration of the common man – the ordinary people who are the backbone of society. Copland’s music is a tribute to their strength, resilience, and determination in the face of hardship.
But there is a deeper layer to the piece as well. “Fanfare for the Common Man” was written during a time of great uncertainty and fear. The world was at war, and the outcome was far from certain. Copland’s music was a means of inspiring hope and fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the American people.
The piece is also a testament to the power of music itself. As Copland himself said, “the most important thing about music is its ability to evoke an emotional response in the listener.” Through his fanfare, he sought to evoke feelings of pride, courage, and determination in his audience.
The Legacy of “Fanfare for the Common Man”
Over the years, “Fanfare for the Common Man” has become an iconic piece of American music. Its triumphant melodies have been used in countless movies, commercials, and sporting events. The piece has become synonymous with the American spirit and a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
In 1977, Copland was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in recognition of his contributions to American music. And in 1984, he was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon musicians and artists in the United States.
“Fanfare for the Common Man” remains a powerful piece of music to this day. Its message of hope, unity, and triumph in the face of adversity continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
FAQs
1. What other works is Aaron Copland known for?
Aaron Copland was a prolific composer, and his works spanned a wide range of genres, including orchestral music, ballets, operas, film scores, and choral music. Some of his best-known works include “Appalachian Spring,” “Rodeo,” and “Billy the Kid.”
2. Why did Copland choose to use only brass and percussion instruments in “Fanfare for the Common Man”?
Copland wanted to create a sound that was strong, powerful, and free from the softer, more delicate sound of string instruments. By using only brass and percussion, he was able to create a fanfare that was bold, triumphant, and celebratory.
3. What inspired Eugene Goossens to request a fanfare from Aaron Copland?
Goossens was inspired by a speech given by Vice President Henry Wallace, in which Wallace spoke of the “common man” and his role in the war effort. He believed that a fanfare would be an appropriate tribute to the spirit of the American people during wartime.
4. How did audiences respond to the premiere of “Fanfare for the Common Man”?
Audiences responded with a standing ovation, and Copland knew that he had struck a chord with his music. He later described the experience as “one of the most gratifying moments of my life.”
5. Has “Fanfare for the Common Man” been used in movies or other media?
Yes, “Fanfare for the Common Man” has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials over the years. Some of the most well-known uses include the opening scene of the movie “The Right Stuff” and a memorable scene from the TV show “The West Wing.”
6. Was Aaron Copland involved in politics?
While Aaron Copland was not a politician, he was involved in left-wing political causes throughout his life. He was a member of the Communist Party for a time in the 1930s, and he was subpoenaed to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1953.
7. What other works did Eugene Goossens conduct during his career?
Eugene Goossens conducted a wide range of orchestral music during his career, including works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. He was also a champion of contemporary music and conducted premieres of works by composers such as William Walton and Benjamin Britten.
8. What is the meaning behind the title “Fanfare for the Common Man”?
The title is a reference to the common man – the ordinary people who are the backbone of society. Copland’s music is a tribute to their strength, resilience, and determination in the face of hardship.
9. Did Copland receive any awards for his work on “Fanfare for the Common Man”?
While Copland did not receive any awards specifically for his work on “Fanfare for the Common Man,” he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 in recognition of his contributions to American music.
10. What was the historical context behind the writing of “Fanfare for the Common Man”?
The piece was written in 1942 during the height of World War II. The world was at war, and the outcome was far from certain. Copland’s music was a means of inspiring hope and fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the American people.
11. Has “Fanfare for the Common Man” been performed by other composers or artists?
Yes, “Fanfare for the Common Man” has been arranged and performed by many other composers and artists over the years. Some of the most notable arrangements include those by British composer Gordon Jacob and American composer John Williams.
12. What impact has “Fanfare for the Common Man” had on American music?
“Fanfare for the Common Man” has become an iconic piece of American music, synonymous with the American spirit and a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. The piece has inspired countless musicians and composers and remains a testament to the power of music to inspire, unite, and uplift.
