Title
Letter from Home
For
orchestra
Scoring
3.picc.2.corA.2.bcl.2.2dbn-4.3.3.1-timp.perc-hp-strings
ARCO Number(s)
54-A
Category
Orchestral
Duration
7'
Premiere
  • World: Cleveland, OH, February 27th, 1947 (Cleveland Orchestra, cond. George Szell)
Publishing Status
Withdrawn
Year Arranged
1947

Program Note

During WWII, Copland could feel that he was doing his part for the War effort by composing patriotic music that would be meaningful to the general public. He accepted a commission from bandleader Paul Whiteman, who was requesting pieces from famous composers to be played by his orchestra on the Philco Radio Hour of the American Broadcasting System. The result was the touching Letter From Home. Following the radio premiere, Copland shortened the piece slightly and expanded the orchestration so that it could be performed in the concert hall.

Author
Vivian Perlis
Year
1998