A Western Hoedown

Copland’s Rodeo premiered in New York City in 1942, and it is an excellent example of his ability to capture the classic American spirit through sound. This work was originally a ballet score for Agnes de Mille, American dancer and choreographer for the company Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Its setting takes place in western America where a cowgirl tries to gain the affection of a man by outdoing the other men at their own craft. The four dance episodes contain elements of ragtime, old American tunes, square dance melodies and the sound of fiddles tuning. The suite concludes with a rousing “Hoe Down” that will have your feet tapping.