NPR's 1980 Interview with Aaron Copland

Hear the Entire Copland Interview

Library of Congress

Aaron Copland at the piano in his home in Rock Hill, N.Y.

November 12, 2004 - In 1980, iconic American composer Aaron Copland sat down with the late NPR producer and host Fred Calland for a wide-ranging interview.

Copland spoke about his music and life, which spanned much of the 20th century. He described the inspirations for his symphonies and other works and spoke of his desire to conduct in addition to composing.