Symphony No. 3
Aaron Copland
Work background
Researched classical background
Copland wrote his Third Symphony for the Boston Symphony Orchestra following a Koussevitzky Foundation commission. Its four movements culminate in a finale that incorporates Fanfare for the Common Man, first quietly in the winds and then with fuller orchestral force. The symphony combines expansive lyricism with energetic rhythmic passages and became a major concert statement in Copland's orchestral output.
A listening guide
Recognize the Fanfare for the Common Man material as the finale begins.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1944-1946
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Boston Symphony Orchestra: Copland Third Symphony
1944 commission, 1946 completion and Fanfare quotation | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boston Symphony Orchestra: Copland Third Symphony
1944 commission, 1946 completion and Fanfare quotation | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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