1950
Old American Songs, Set 2
Composed by 
Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland Song Collection
Copland wrote, "Everyone seemed to enjoy singing and hearing the first set of folk song settings so much that I decided to arrange a second group of five." This second set dates from 1952. For the premiere performance on July 24, 1953, Copland accompanied baritone William Warfield, with whom he had given the American debut of the first set of songs.
Audio
“The Golden Willow Tree” (from “Old American Songs, Set 2”)
Thomas Hampson (baritone) & Craig Rutenberg (piano)4:04
About
The five numbers in Old American Songs, Set 2 are “The Little Horses,” “Zion’s Walls,” “Golden Willow Tree,” “At the River,” and “Ching-a-Ring Chaw.” The set was reworked in 1957 for medium voice and orchestra. The first, fourth, and fifth numbers were also reworked for chorus and orchestra.
Copland’s holograph sketches for both sets of the Old American Songs can be accessed online through the Aaron Copland Collection at the Library of Congress.
Sources: Vivian Perlis, 1998, from Boosey & Hawkes Web site; Stephanie Poxon, Ph.D.
Songs
The Little Horses1952 · Old American Songs, Set 2Aaron CoplandZion’s Walls1952 · Old American Songs, Set 2Aaron CoplandThe Golden Willow Tree1952 · Old American Songs, Set 2Aaron CoplandAt the River1952 · Old American Songs, Set 2Aaron CoplandChing-a-Ring Chaw1952 · Old American Songs, Set 2Aaron Copland
Related Information
The Hampsong Foundation
hampsongfoundation.org/resource/aaron-copland/#oldset2Instant Encore
instantencore.com/music/details.aspx?PId=5041048Video
Sheet Music