Copland: Symphony No. 3

Like a magician pulling away the curtain for a big reveal”

San Francisco Chronicle

The Third Symphony has come to be viewed as something of an anomaly, standing between my abstract works and the more accessible ballet and film music. The fourth movement finale is perhaps the clearest example of this fusion of styles. I, myself, have thought of this piece as being closest in feeling to the Symphonic Ode, at least in intention: a full orchestral work for the concert hall that makes a serious statement. Personally, I am satisfied that my Third Symphony stands for what I wanted to say at the time. The musical ideas that came to me (or that I chose) were appropriate for the particular purpose of the work.”

Aaron Copland