Copland’s neglected child – Symphonic Ode

Sure it’s not nearly as approachable as Copland’s most famous works. The melodies are harder to find and first impressions suggest that it is a bit aloof and diffident with what it has to offer. But it is brimming with ideas. Therefore, mean and moody for sure but magnificent nonetheless.

But right from the start it’s had a chequered history. It never got its planned premiere and like other Copland works that suffered this fate (Short Symphony, Statements) it never was able to catch up with the bus that had been missed. The work lost its chance to get a foothold. Things moved on and momentum evaporated and its reputation as a difficult piece preceded its mere mention. The few performances it received were not well received by the audience, hammered by critics, conductors and orchestras struggled with the intricacies of the cross rhythms and couldn’t justify the rehearsal time. As a result there was no call from anyone to programme this magnum opus and give it a fair hearing.

Copland remained steadfastly satisfied with the work and would often cite it as one of his most important pieces. He tried to make it more programmable by changing the barring in the score and reducing the size of the Mahler scale orchestra. But to no avail. To all intents and purposes it is score that has been left on the shelf. Once in a while it has had revivals. San Francisco Symphony Orchestra recorded as part of the excellent Copland the Modernist CD and programmed it for five performances in 2010. But unfortunately these moments in the limelight have been few and far between.

However, I am delighted to say that (Covid 19 permitting) the London Symphony Orchestra will be performing the piece on 21 January 2021. This will take place at the Barbican Hall in a bill also containing works by Barber, Gershwin and Weill under the baton of maestro John Wilson. I can’t wait!

If you’d like to know more about Symphonic Ode listen to this excellent podcast below provided courtesy of San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. There are many more wonderful podcasts like this available on their website.