- Title
- The Red Pony
- Subtitle
- Film Suite
- For
- orchestra
- Year Composed
- 1948
- Scoring
- 2(=picc).2(II=corA ad lib).3(III=bcl).Ebcl (ad lib).2-4(3).3.3.1- timp.perc(2):glsp/vib/marimba(xyl)/xyl/cyms/sleigh bells/tgl/BD/SD/ TD-harp-pft(=cel)-strings
- ARCO Number(s)
- 63-A
- Category
- Orchestral
- Duration
- 24'
- Movements
- I. Morning on the Ranch
- II. The Gift
- IIIa. Dream March
- Version: Dream March in The Red Pony (suite, arr. band) (1966) for band
- IIIb. Circus Music
- Version: Circus Music in The Red Pony (suite, arr. band) (1966) for band
- IV. Walk to the Bunkhouse
- Version: Walk to the Bunkhouse in The Red Pony (suite, arr. band) (1966) for band
- V. Grandfather's Story Alternate Title: Grandfather's Story [Tale] (Alternate/Synonymous)
- Version: Grandfather's Story in The Red Pony (suite, arr. band) (1966) for band
- VI. Happy Ending
- Version: Happy Ending in The Red Pony (suite, arr. band) (1966) for band
- Premiere
- World: Houston, TX, October 30th, 1948 (Houston Symphony Orchestra, cond. Efrem Kurtz)
- Commission Info
- Efrem Kurtz and the Houston Symphony Orchestra
- Dedication
- To Erik Johns
- Publisher
- Boosey & Hawkes
- Publishing Status
- Published
- Suite From
- The Red Pony (for orchestra) (1948)
- Versions
- The Red Pony (suite, arr. band) (1966) (Arrangement)
Program Note
The film was adapted from a novel by John Steinbeck and featured famous Hollywood stars. But it was not a commercial success, and Copland's practical nature led him to recast the musical material for concert purposes. The Suite is in six sections with titles that match the action of the film. Although the melodies have a folklike quality, they are Copland's own. Unusual instrumental colors derive from the dramatic action of the film. As Copland pointed out, "This was not your typical Western with gunmen and Indians."
- Author
- Vivian Perlis
- Year
- 1998