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A Witchhunt

Donald Macleod explores Copland's life and work during the 1950s, a period which included persecution for alleged communist activities by Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Aaron Copland is the composer who, more than any other, defined the sound of American classical music. Copland's life spanned every decade of the 20th Century, and this week Donald Macleod explores the composer's life and music against the background of the events of that Century. In today's episode, Donald recounts the struggles that Copland endured through the 1950s as he found himself persecuted for alleged communist activities by Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Clarinet Concerto
Benny Goodman (clarinet)
Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Aaron Copland (conductor)

The Tender Land - The Promise of Living
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Erich Kunzel (conductor)

Lincoln Portrait
Gregory Peck (narrator)
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Zubin Mehta (conductor)

Canticle of Freedom
Seattle Symphony
Seattle Symphony Chorale
Gerard Schwarz (conductor)

Producer: Sam Phillips.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Aaron Copland

    Concerto for clarinet, strings, harp and piano

    Performer: Benny Goodman. Performer: Laura Newell. Performer: Abba Bogin. Orchestra: Columbia Symphony Strings. Conductor: Aaron Copland.
    • SONY 5139092.
    • SONY.
    • 14.
  • Aaron Copland

    The Promise of Living from The Tender Land

    Orchestra: Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Conductor: Erich Kunzel.
    • TELARC CD80117.
    • TELARC.
    • 1.
  • Aaron Copland

    Lincoln Portrait

    Narrator: Gregory Peck. Orchestra: Los Angeles Philharmonic. Conductor: Zubin Mehta.
    • DECCA 4482612.
    • DECCA.
    • 2.
  • Aaron Copland

    Canticle of Freedom

    Orchestra: Seattle Symphony. Choir: Seattle Symphony Chorale. Conductor: Gerard Schwarz.
    • DELOS.

Broadcast

  • Thu 3 May 2018 12:00

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