Copland Conducts Copland: The Complete Columbia Album Collection (CD Review)

by Karl Nehring 

 

This 20-CD box set from Sony Classics (20 CD 19439977462) includes Aaron Copland’s complete own recordings for Columbia Masterworks from 1935 to 1976 plus his first recording of The Tender Land Suite and the first recording by the composer of Appalachian Spring for RCA Red Seal on 19 CDs. The set also includes recordings an additional CD featuring two of his works conducted by Leonard Bernstein. Although Sony Classical had issued many of Copland’s CBS/Columbia recordings on CD before, including a major 5-disc set in 2013, this new collection marks the first all-inclusive compilation of his authoritative interpretations along with the composer’s six early recordings for the first time on Sony Classical CD. The 20 discs are enclosed in sleeves that are replicas of the original LP covers – a nice touch (although the tiny font on the rear of those sleeves is one of the very few negatives of the transition from LP to CD) – and the discs themselves replicate the look of the original vinyl LPs. The box also includes a substantial booklet of 67 pages with some notes on the music and a number of photographs from representative moments in Copland’s recording career. 

Here are the contents of the 20 discs:

 

DISC 1: Concerto for Clarinet, Strings & Harp with Benny Goodman (1950); Piano Quartet; Piano Variations (1930); Nocturne (1928); Vitebsk, Study on a Jewish Theme for Piano Trio; Ukulele Serenade; DISC 2: Old American Songswith William Warfield (1951/53); Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson with Martha Lipton; DISC 3: Appalachian Spring (Ballet for Martha); The Tender Land: Suite; Concerto for Clarinet, Strings & Harp with Benny Goodman (1963); Old American Songs with William Warfield (1962); DISC 5: Piano Concerto; Music for the Theatre (Suite in 5 Parts for Small Orchestra); DISC 6: The Tender Land (Opera in Three Acts); DISC 7: Music for a Great City; Statements for Orchestra; DISC 8:; Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson with Adele Addison; Las Agachadas; In the Beginning; Lark; DISC 9: Piano Quartet; Sextet for Clarinet, Piano and String Quartet; Vitebsk, Study on a Jewish Theme for Piano Trio; DISC 10: Short Symphony "Symphony No. 2"; Dance Symphony; DISC 11: An Outdoor Overture; Our Town Suite; 2 Pieces for String Quartet (Instrumental); Quiet City; DISC 12: Billy the Kid Suite; 4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo; DISC 13: Fanfare for the Common Man; Lincoln Portrait; Appalachian Spring; DISC 14: Symphonic Ode; Preamble for a Solemn Occasion; Orchestral Variations; DISC 15: Appalachian Spring; Copland Rehearses Appalachian Spring; DISC 16: Sonata for Violin and Piano (1942/3) with Isaac Stern; Duo for Flute and Piano with Elaine Shaffer; Nonet for String Orchestra; DISC 17: Danzón Cubano; 3 Latin American Sketches; El Salón México; Dance Panels; DISC 18: The Red Pony Suite; John Henry; Music for Movies; Letter from Home; Down a Country Lane; DISC 19: Symphony No. 3; DISC 20: Inscape; Connotations conducted by Leonard Bernstein 

Fans of Aaron Copland may already own a few of the performances included in this boxed set. Many Copland fans may own recordings of some Copland works conducted or performed by others that they prefer over Copland’s own versions. Regardless, the importance, appeal, and value of this new release is next to impossible to overstate. Aaron Copland is arguably the most important American composer of the 20^th century; what this set presents is his best effort to present his musical vision to the world, and Sony Classics has presented his efforts to us in an attractive, comprehensive package that is being made available at a reasonable price. For fans of American music in general – and fans of Aaron Copland in particular – this new box set should prove to be an irresistible temptation – and for good reason. It’s a spectacular release.