As orchestras find new ways to share and connect with audiences remotely, here are some of their latest offerings featuring classic Copland works.
Read more- Title
- El Salón México
- Subtitle
- A Popular Type Dance Hall in Mexico City
- For
- orchestra
- Year Composed
- 1932–36
- Scoring
- 2.picc.2.corA(ad lib).2.Ebcl(ad lib).bcl(ad lib).2.dbn(ad lib)-4.3(2).3.1-timp.perc:xyl/cyms/brush/guiro/tpl.bl/wdbl/BD/SD/tab-pft-strings
- ARCO Number(s)
- 28
- Category
- Orchestral
- Duration
- 12'
- Premiere
- World: Mexico City, August 27th, 1937 (Orquesta Sinfónica de México, cond. Carlos Chávez)
- Dedication
- To Victor Kraft
- Publisher
- Boosey & Hawkes
- Publishing Status
- Published
- Arrangements
- El Salón México (for concert band) (arr. Mark H. Hindsley)
- El Salón México (for solo piano, arr. Bernstein) (arr. Leonard Bernstein)
- El Salón México (for two pianos) (arr. Leonard Bernstein)
- In Collection
Program Note
From the time of Copland's first visit to Mexico City in1932, when his friend Carlos Chávez took him to the colorful nightclub called "El Salón México," Copland wanted to compose a piece about the unusual dance hall. He said, "I was attracted by the spirit of the place and by the Mexican people. Using Mexican melodies seemed appropriate. My purpose was not merely to quote literally, but to heighten without in any way falsifying the natural simplicity of Mexican tunes." Much to Copland's surprise and delight, El Salón México was welcomed warmly in Mexico and has consistently been one of his most performed pieces. He said, "Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this kind of acceptance for the piece!"
- Author
- Vivian Perlis
- Year
- 1998