When I think of Aaron Copland, the brilliant and talented composer, I can hear his magnificent, distinctly American music in my mind, especially ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ and ‘Quiet City’.I’m also reminded of meeting Aaron while attending the Hartt College of Music, University of Hartford. He arrived on campus as a guest and friend of Arnold Franchetti, who was then Head of the Composition Department at Hartt.

The faculty and students were giving a complete concert performance of his various compositions. I found myself sitting directly behind Mr. Copland during this performance, and after the concert was introduced to him by Arnold Franchetti.

Franchetti had just completed a composition for violin, flute, string, bass and percussion, which interested Mr. Copland very much. A recording session had just been planned to record the work, and he wanted to hear the recording as soon as it was completed.

In the meantime, I had a chance to be in New York City for some promotional matters, and wrote to Aaron to see if he would have time to meet while I was in the city. To my surprise, he was so gracious as to agree to have lunch with me.

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