Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
American composer who synthesized jazz, neo-Classical, and folk elements in an energetic avant garde style. Identified with brash modernism.
"The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking, 'Is there a meaning to music?' My answer would be, 'Yes.' And 'Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?' My answer to that would be, 'No.'"
“So long as the human spirit thrives on this planet, music in some living form will accompany and sustain it and give it expressive meaning.”
"To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable."
Best known for ballets: Appalachian Spring, Billy The Kid, Rodeo, film scores