Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man - National Symphony Orchestra

The National Symphony Orchestra performs Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man."

Copland's fanfare was composed in 1942 for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra -- one of 18 fanfares written to promote patriotic response at America's entry into the second World War, and the only one still performed regularly. The name of the piece was inspired in part by a speech given by U.S. Vice President Henry Wallace.

Part of JFKC: A Centennial Celebration of John F. Kennedy, inspired by five enduring ideals often ascribed to JFK: Courage, Freedom, Justice, Service, and Gratitude.

[dr.johngrubb]

A beautiful musical masterpiece. As a dentist and an anesthetist during the Vietnam war, I witnessed man’s inhumanity to man. However, the bravest men I have ever shared my life with lives with me every day of my life. Being an American is a holy gift and we must express our gladness each and every day!

[SoundtheTrumpet]

There is nothing like listening to this Fanfare at Cincinnati Music Hall where this piece was birthed. Makes me proud as a Cincinnatian and trumpeter. Thank you!!

[ronj]

That is flawless notes, pitch, breath & timing by those brass. Bravo.
Copeland wrote this as an act to fan the flames of patriotism to our common citizen, once the U.S.A. entered WW2.
Let us pray we may once again become one United States of America. Fighting for one another, not against.

[beakrauss]

It was written to honor all of those, soldiers, families, anyone who sacrificed, during World War II and for the dawn of the age recognizing the dignity of the common man that would follow

[joshedwards]

The American Classical sound was built by Gershwin and Copland. Gershwin used jazz to give music for the city and Copland created the sound of the 'wild west'. We Americans owe these two men, may they rest peacefully, our greatest level of honor and respect. It was upon their shoulders that modern music rests.

[CynVee]

An American composition written by an American composer for Americans who sacrificed during WWII but one that honors all mankind. Truly magnificent.

[metal]

Best version I could find at youtube; because the traditional flaws in performance associated with this piece were well worked over by people of competence. Its always one or two places, hard for the horns to reach, confusing when people go blank being enthralled with the music, but this is the most polished by far. and this piece deserves the work. Its not just the football song, its Fanfare by the Common Man by Aaron Copland

[jsabuilds]

My grandfather told me about Aaron Copland's music, so I ended up here. Very inspirational stuff.

[hindumuninc]

Ah so this is what the "Astronauts returning successfully" song is titled.

[flyingpaladin]

I think of my deceased father every, every time I hear this. I hope that it is played at my funeral.

[axecoppal]

this music is like a wedge that enters your mind and leaves a mark. this is an awe-inspiring work !

[Gablesman]

Remembering a top notch university band playing this fanfare to start their half time show. Real class. Real amazing.

[jackschleich]

some of the best modern music came from Copland and this was one of the best

[CattttMD]

Wow. I am holding back tears. Imagine hearing that in person, but I am just happy that I can listen to it here.

[tjtiffles]

This song physically weighs me down, not in a bad way, the music is simply so full I can FEEL it's presence.

[tangledtacklefishing]

Absolutely one of my favorites. The string section is completely frozen in awe.

[TURBOTRANSAM]

Without a doubt one of the best pieces of music EVER………period.

[elliottoppenheim]

This is a superb performance. When I do this, I typically can't sleep the night before and take a breath... hoping to play ti as well as these guys play it!! It is so exposed for a trumpeter and you are a bum if you chip a note. It must be gorgeous... as here, so well demonstrated.

[Zometh]

The other day I heard bits of Copland's Rodeo and loved it so much that I ended up googling him to see what else he composed and ended up here. And now I remember being completely obsessed with this piece maybe five years ago :D I guess that I really do like Copland then

[andreanovotny]

Per Wikipedia, "Copland, in his autobiography, wrote of the request: "Eugene Goossens, conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, had written to me at the end of August about an idea he wanted to put into action for the 1942–43 concert season. During World War I he had asked British composers for a fanfare to begin each orchestral concert. It had been so successful that he thought to repeat the procedure in World War II with American composers". A total of 18 fanfares[1] were written at Goossens' behest, but Copland's is the only one which remains in the standard repertoire.

It was written in response to the US entry into World War II and was inspired in part by a famous 1942 speech[2] where vice president Henry A. Wallace proclaimed the dawning of the "Century of the Common Man".[3]

Goossens had suggested titles such as Fanfare for Soldiers, or sailors or airmen, and he wrote that "[i]t is my idea to make these fanfares stirring and significant contributions to the war effort...." Copland considered several titles including Fanfare for a Solemn Ceremony and Fanfare for Four Freedoms; to Goossens' surprise, however, Copland titled the piece Fanfare for the Common Man. Goossens wrote, "Its title is as original as its music, and I think it is so telling that it deserves a special occasion for its performance. If it is agreeable to you, we will premiere it 12 March 1943 at income tax time". Copland's reply was "I [am] all for honoring the common man at income tax time".[4]"