It has been easy to take this American cultural icon for granted.   Beloved works like Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, Billy the Kid, Fanfare for the Common Man, and Lincoln Portrait have long been deeply embedded in the public consciousness, defining the sound and spirit of what Copland called "a recognizably American musical idiom."   However, Copland also wrote challenging, abstract orchestral compositions, award-winning film scores, exquisite songs, affecting music for young people, homespun operas, and landmark piano works.   In addition, Copland was a highly-esteemed pianist, guest conductor, author, lecturer, composers' advocate, institution builder, mentor, and colleague.

This recording brings together, for the first time, all of Copland's published chamber music (for up to six players).   Taken whole, these compositions are a major and underexplored aspect of this commanding figure's work.   Copland's chamber music distills within an intimate framework all of the familiar elements of his creative voice: the sober expressivity, brash exuberance, lean textures, spiky rhythmic energy, rugged elegance, and poised dignity.