Description

Description: American composer and conductor Aaron Copland (1900-1990) signed this cheerful black and white portrait photograph. In the photo, a bespectacled Copland grins, laugh lines prominent, as he stands outside with trees and tall grasses painting the landscape behind him. He wears a thick tweed jacket, right palm held up to the sky in a buoyant, carefree gesture. Copland has written in the blank lower margin: “For Cantor Norman Summers Cordially Aaron Copland ’68”.

Aaron Copland, “the Dean of American Composers”, is known for his open, slow-changing harmonies that are reminiscent of the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit. Some of his most famous works include Fanfare for the Common Man and Third Symphony, as well as, the ballets Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid and Rodeo. 

Norman Summers (1927-2012) was a cantor who served as President of the American Conference of Cantors, taught at the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion (1970-1987), and was awarded the Semiatin Award for outstanding service to the American cantorate in 1985.

Photograph measures approximately 10″ x 8″ including margins. It has been glued down to a piece of heavy card stock that measures 10 3/8″ x 8 1/2″. Item #A01564

Condition: Short light crease in sky area, several light spots at blank lower margin edge. Overall very good condition.