Copland Conducts Copland
First Recording of the original Version Appalachian Spring (Complete Ballet)
Part of the notes on the rear sleeve.
Aaeron Copland's ballet was composed in 1944, commissioned by the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Foundation, for Martha Graham. Originally scored for thirteen instruments, Appalachian Spring is in one act and, in the words of the composer, tells the story of a "pioneer celebration of spring in a newly built farmhouse in Pennsylvania in the early 1800's."
The ballet was premiered by Miss Graham and her company on October 30, 1944, at the Libary of Congress, Washington, D.C.
The orchestral Suite from Appalachian Spring also dates from 1944. It was first performed by Arthur Rodzinski and the New York Philharmonic on October 4, 1945.