Appalachian Spring (ATOS 11.5)

Appalachian Spring

Many consider the musical composition "Appalachian Spring" by Aaron Copland to be simply an orchestral piece. Originally commissioned as a ballet, however, Appalachian Spring was led by legendary choreographer and dancer Martha Graham. The ballet debuted in 1944, telling the story of American pioneers building their lives during the Appalachian spring. Copland won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Music for the composition, and subsequently turned the ballet score into an orchestral suite.