Senate Resolution No. 528
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
COMMEMORATING the 125th Birthday of Aaron Copland
on November 14, 2025
WHEREAS, From time to time, we take note of certain individuals whom
we wish to recognize for their valued contributions and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to join the
people of this great Empire State in proudly observing the 125th
birthday of Aaron Copland on November 14, 2025, taking note of his many
accomplishments and contributions to American music and culture; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the year, Copland House will host a variety of
events, including on-site concerts, to celebrate the 125th Anniversary
of the birth of its namesake, Aaron Copland; and
WHEREAS, Aaron Copland, one of the most celebrated American
composers, is known for his distinctive blend of classical music with
American folk traditions; his compositions are often seen as embodying
the spirit of the United States in the 20th century; and
WHEREAS, Born on November 14, 1900, in Brooklyn, New York, Aaron
Copland's early years were marked by exposure to a rich cultural
environment; he studied music in New York City before going to France to
study composition with Nadia Boulanger, whose guidance played a crucial
role in shaping his distinctive style; and
WHEREAS, Aaron Copland's music evolved over time, incorporating
elements from European modernism, jazz, and folk melodies; and
WHEREAS, The hallmark of Copland's music lies in his ability to
create a sound that resonated deeply with the American experience; works
like Appalachian Spring (1944), Fanfare for the Common Man (1942), and
Rodeo (1942) have become iconic, evoking imagery of wide-open spaces,
the pioneer spirit, and the triumph of everyday Americans; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, his use of simple, open harmonies and
folk-like themes made his music accessible and deeply emotional,
reflecting both the optimism and the struggles of the American
landscape; and
WHEREAS, Aaron Copland's influence extended beyond the concert hall;
during the 1930s and 1940s, he became deeply involved in the cultural
fabric of American life; he composed music for ballet, film scores, and
was instrumental in the American avant-garde movement; his Fanfare for
the Common Man, for example, became a patriotic anthem, and his film
scores, like those for Of Mice and Men (1939), further established him
as a versatile composer with a profound understanding of American
culture; and
WHEREAS, Today, Copland House, located in the scenic town of
Cortlandt Manor, New York, is both a historic site and an ongoing center
for music and culture; it was the home of Aaron Copland from 1960 until
his death in 1990; the house, situated in the rolling hills of the
Hudson River Valley, became a sanctuary for Copland, where he composed
many of his later works and hosted fellow musicians, composers, and
artists; and
WHEREAS, The house itself, designated a National Historic Landmark
in 2008 by the United States Secretary of the Interior, is a modernist
home that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, reflecting
Copland's appreciation for simplicity and open spaces, qualities that
are mirrored in his music; his time at this house marked a period of
significant creative output, and he often worked in the music studio
built on the property, which is still preserved today; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Aaron Copland's legacy, Copland House has
been preserved and transformed into a cultural center dedicated to
advancing the composer's artistic vision; it is home to the Copland
House Residency Awards, which invites composers to live and work in the
same environment that inspired Copland; these residencies provide
composers with the opportunity to create new music while being immersed
in the same creative atmosphere that Copland enjoyed; and
WHEREAS, Copland House also hosts a variety of events, including
concerts by its Copland House Ensemble, lectures, and educational
programs on site, throughout the nation, and abroad, aimed at fostering
a deeper understanding of Aaron Copland's music and its significance;
the house stands not only as a tribute to his life but also as a living
testament to his enduring influence on contemporary music; and
WHEREAS, As part of his lasting legacy, Copland House serves as a
hub for artistic inspiration and a gathering place for those who wish to
explore and continue the work of one of America's most revered
composers; and
WHEREAS, Aaron Copland's music remains a pillar of American
classical composition, deeply embedded in both the cultural memory of
the nation and the broader classical music world; his music celebrates
the American ethos - hope, resilience, and freedom - while also standing
as a testament to the power of music to shape and define national
identity; and
WHEREAS, Even as tastes in music continue to evolve, Aaron Copland's
compositions serve as a timeless reminder of the unique soundscape of
America in the 20th century; as we celebrate his legacy, we are reminded
of his unparalleled ability to express the soul of America through
music, making his 125th birthday a significant moment of reflection on
his contribution to the arts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Birthday of Aaron Copland on November 14, 2025;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Copland House.
