Inherited Sound Images: Native American Exoticism in Aaron Copland's Duo for Flute and Piano

Abstract

In 1967 Aaron Copland was commissioned to compose flute and piano piece in memory of William Kincaid, former Principal Flutist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Copland began the piece in 1969, and the finished work, Duo for Flute and Piano, was premiered in 1971.1 Copland described the Duo as a lyrical piece, in somewhat pastoral style... [appropriate for the flute's] songful nature.2 As one of Copland's last compositions, the Duo in many ways represents culmination of earlier stylistic trends, and is particularly reminiscent of his 1940s Americana style. Scholars, critics, and audiences alike have often commented on the American quality in Copland's output. Schuyler Chapin credits the composer with creating an authentic sound for America, and Wilfrid Mellers claims, The American, and our, experience is musically incarnated in [Copland's] life's work.3 In his comprehensive survey of Copland's life and music, Howard Pollack identifies this aspect of Copland's style:

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