Copland

One of my fun classes this semester is orchestra and it isn't just strings this time--I'm in the full orchestra and am very excited about it. We are playing one of my favorite classical pieces, Hoedown from Aaron Copland's Rodeo. We are also playing Saturday night Waltz from Rodeo, Night on Bare Mountain by Mussorgsky (you'll recognize it if you listen to it), and Prometheus Overture by Beethoven. Click here to listen to Hoedown.

And as a side note, if you're looking for a good book to read, I recommend What to Listen for in Music by Aaron Copland. In the Introduction he writes, "Listening to music is a skill that is acquired through experience and learning. Knowledge enhances enjoyment." Chapter 3, The Creative Process, was what jumped out to me and caused me to buy it. Other chapters are about the elements of music, forms of music, contemporary music, movie music, and more. Great book. Great composer. Great orchestral selection by my conductor!