Copland, Aaron (1900-1990)

American composer, dominant presence in American music of the 20th century. Copland was born in New York City and studied in both New York and Paris. His earliest work was influenced heavily by the French impressionists (see Impressionism). After experimenting with jazz rhythms, Copland turned to more austere and dissonant compositions. Concert pieces such as Piano Variations (1930) and Statements (1933-1935) rely on nervous, irregular rhythms; angular melodies; and highly dissonant harmonies. In the mid-1930s Copland adopted a simpler style, more melodic and lyrical, frequently drawing on elements of American folk music. His best work of the 1940s—exemplified in Lincoln Portrait (1942) and other compositions—expresses distinctly American themes. Copland's music for films includes Of Mice and Men (1937) and The Heiress (1949; Academy Award for best dramatic film score). In the 1950s Copland returned to his earlier austere style. In his complex Piano Fantasy (1957) and such later orchestral works as Connotations (1962) he assimilated the twelve-tone system of composition. A distinguished teacher, Copland also did a great deal to promote the music of contemporary composers.