In this episode, Robert John Hadfield reflects on his personal journey and the profound impact of Aaron Copland's music on his life. He begins by recounting his days in a rock band during the early '90s, their move to Denver for musical development, and his temporary job at a ski clothing warehouse. It was here, while listening to classical music on the job, that Hadfield first encountered Copland's "Appalachian Spring," a piece that deeply moved him.
Hadfield describes his growing appreciation for Copland's work, particularly "The Promise of Living" from "The Tender Land," which resonated with him so strongly that he chose to name his daughter after the composer. He discusses Copland's career trajectory, highlighting his shift from modernist compositions for a refined audience to creating music that resonated with the broader public during the Great Depression. This change allowed Copland to create timeless, widely appreciated works that captured the essence of America and spoke to the hearts of many.
The video concludes with Hadfield drawing lessons from Copland's life and urging his audience to recognize their talents and audience, encouraging them to create work that resonates with a wider audience. He emphasizes the importance of creating art that is accessible and meaningful to many, aligning with the idea that public needs art that speaks to them, as originally stated by Keith Haring. Hadfield’s personal connection to Copland’s music underlines the impact that art can have on an individual's life.
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