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Appalachian Spring - Copland
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The best American classical music
13. Appalachian Spring - Copland
Copland's popular ballet - and later, orchestral suite - tells the tale of 19th century American pioneers building a new farmhouse. It's packed full of all-American tunes, including a Shaker song, Simple Gifts, which Copland borrowed almost note-for-note and incorporated into the music. You might recognise the tune - it's the basis of the popular hymn Lord of the Dance.
