NPR has posted a little article about Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. Even better, they have also posted the full performance of Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.

I’m not sure this is a classic work to my eyes – it’s a bit Hall of Presidents, but then, the Hall of Presidents might have stolen its idea from here.

Lincoln Portrait was commissioned by conductor Andre Kostelanetz in 1942. It was soon after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and Copland meant for it to boost spirits during that difficult time. You might recognize a couple of American songs embedded in the music: Stephen Fosters “Camptown Races” and the folk song “Springfield Mountain.”

via Coplands Lincoln Portrait: Honest Abes Oratory, Tailored For Orchestra : Deceptive Cadence : NPR.