Copland, Aaron - El Salón México

El Salón México - Arranged for two pianos by Leonard Bernstein

From the time of Coplands first visit to Mexico City in 1932, when his friend Carlos Chávez took him to a nightclub called "El Salón México", Copland wanted to compose a piece about the unusual dance hall. He said, "I was attracted by the spirit of the place and by the Mexican people. Using Mexican melodies seemed appropriate. My purpose was not merely to quote literally, but to heighten without in any way falsifying the natural simplicity of Mexican tunes." Much to Coplands surprise and delight, "El Salón México" was welcomed warmly in Mexico and has consistently been one of his most performed pieces. He said, "Never in my wildest dreams did I expect the kind of acceptance for the piece!"

Instrumentation: 2 Pianos
Editor: Bernstein, Leonard
Binding: Saddle stitching
Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes, New York
Composition: 1936
Duration: 12
ISMN: M-051-27103-0
ISBN: 979-0-051-27103-0