Aaron Copland's 1938 ballet, "Billy the Kid," stands as a significant work in American music and dance, commissioned by Lincoln Kirstein and choreographed by Eugene Loring for the Ballet Caravan. Premiering at the Chicago Civic Opera House on October 16, 1938, this ballet quickly became a repertory standard. Its creation marked a pivotal moment in Copland's career, solidifying his reputation as a composer capable of evoking the American landscape
and pioneer spirit through his music. The ballet's success helped to fill a void for American choreographers seeking to expand their dance repertoire with distinctly American themes.
Copland's approach to "Billy the Kid" was part of his broader shift in the mid-1930s towards a more accessible musical style, often referred to as "populist" or his "vernacular" style. This period saw him create works that resonated with a mass audience, much like the murals of Thomas Hart Benton. For "Billy the Kid," Copland skillfully incorporated six cowboy folk songs to establish an authentic period atmosphere. He also employed polyrhythm and polyharmony, even when not directly quoting these tunes, to maintain the work's overall tone and ensure it felt cohesive. This blend of folk elements with sophisticated compositional techniques allowed the ballet to be both easily grasped and artistically rich.
The Collaborative Creation and Thematic Depth
The libretto for "Billy the Kid" was penned by Lincoln Kirstein, drawing inspiration from the life of the infamous outlaw. Kirstein, a co-founder of the School of American Ballet, sought to bring American themes to the ballet stage. The collaboration between Copland, Kirstein, and choreographer Eugene Loring resulted in a work that was among the first to showcase a unique American music and dance vocabulary. The ballet's narrative follows the life of Billy the Kid, beginning with "The Open Prairie" and depicting pioneers moving westward, before shifting to a frontier town where a young Billy's life takes a tragic turn after his mother is killed in a gunfight.
The story progresses through key episodes in Billy's life, including his time in the desert, his capture by a posse, his escape from jail, and ultimately, his death at the hands of Sheriff Pat Garrett. The ballet's structure, with movements like "Street Scene in a Frontier Town," "Mexican Dance and Finale," "Prairie Night," "Gun Battle," and "Billy's Death," provides a vivid portrayal of the Old West. The percussive effects during the gun battle scene are particularly notable, adding to the dramatic intensity. The ballet concludes with a return to "The Open Prairie" theme, symbolizing the continuous westward journey of pioneers, framing Billy's story within the larger context of American expansion.
Copland's "Vernacular" Style and Lasting Influence
"Billy the Kid" is a prime example of Copland's "vernacular" style, which aimed to create music that was distinctly American and broadly appealing. This style, also evident in works like "Appalachian Spring" and "Rodeo," helped establish Copland as an authentic composer of American music. His ability to evoke the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit through open, slowly changing harmonies became a hallmark of what many consider the sound of American music. The ballet's success was not only critical but also popular, contributing to his widespread public recognition alongside works like "El Salón México."
The ballet's enduring popularity is reflected in its status as a repertory standard. Its influence extends beyond the stage, with elements of its score being reinterpreted in other musical forms. For instance, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell's album "Have a Little Faith" includes the eight movements of the ballet, making up its first seven tracks. This demonstrates the versatility and lasting appeal of Copland's composition. "Billy the Kid" remains a testament to Copland's genius in crafting a ballet that is both deeply rooted in American history and universally appreciated for its musical and dramatic qualities, continuing to be performed and celebrated decades after its premiere.
