Fanfare for the Common Man

work by Copland

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June 26, 2026

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"Fanfare for the Common Man" is a musical work by American composer Aaron Copland. Originally composed in 1942 for brass and percussion, it was later incorporated into the final movement of his Symphony No. 3.12

A fanfare is a brief musical piece, traditionally played on trumpets or horns, used for signaling in ceremonies, battles, or hunts. Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" is characterized by its bold and heroic sound, often associated with themes of patriotism and the spirit of ordinary people. It has become one of Copland's most recognizable and frequently performed works.321

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fanfare
…American composers include the “Fanfare for the Common Man” (1942) by Aaron Copland and Three Fanfares for the Uncommon Woman (1987–91) by Joan Tower. A fanfare commonly known as “Ruffles and Flourishes” is generally sounded before the march Hail to the Chief to announce the arrival of the president…
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…American composers include the “Fanfare for the Common Man” (1942) by Aaron Copland and Three Fanfares for the Uncommon Woman (1987–91) by Joan Tower. A fanfare commonly known as “Ruffles and Flourishes” is generally sounded before the march Hail to the Chief to announce the arrival of the president…
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Symphony No. 3
…brass, reminiscent of the composer’s Fanfare for the Common Man (1942), written a few years earlier. The movement is dominated by high-spirited and dancelike ideas, which appear in turn with heroic declarations. The symphony’s slowest tempi are in the poignant and reflective third movement.
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…brass, reminiscent of the composer’s Fanfare for the Common Man (1942), written a few years earlier. The movement is dominated by high-spirited and dancelike ideas, which appear in turn with heroic declarations. The symphony’s slowest tempi are in the poignant and reflective third movement.
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