Music as an Aspect of the Human Spirit
"As a composer, I am occupied each day with this very subject, namely, the expression by way of music of a basic human spirit."
"Most composers would agree, I think, that each new composition constitutes a kind of planned improvisation on a theme. The grander the theme, the more hazardous it is to bring it to fullest fruition. Today's theme is very grand indeed. I very nearly lacked the courage to undertake it, until it struck me that, as a composer, I am occupied each day with this very subject, namely, the expression by way of music of a basic human spirit..."
Typescript Signed, an essay titled Music as an Aspect of the Human Spirit, written by the composer for Columbia University's bicentennial celebration.
Signed on the last page. 11 1/4 pages, twelve 4to sheets. [Ossining?], circa 1954. An annotated typed draft of the same work is located in the Copland Papers at the Library of Congress.
Price: $4,000 .