- Written between 1932-36, El Salón México is a single-movement work for orchestra inspired by the composer’s recent trips to the country. The piece incorporates Mexican folk and popular music.
- Copland first visited Mexico in 1932. His friend, Carlos Chávez, took Copland to a nightclub called “El Salón México,” which ultimately inspired him to write music based on his experiences.
- Copland said the following about the piece: “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.”1
- El Salón México premiered in Mexico City in 1937, conducted by Carlos Chávez.2
- Fun fact: El Salón México was first heard in the United States via radio broadcast, with Adrian Boult conducting the NBC Symphony in 1938.3
Sources
- Vivian Perlis, “Program Note: El Salón México,” Aaron Copland (1998), accessed May 12, 2026, https://www.aaroncopland.com/works/el-salon-mexico/.
- Howard Pollack, “Copland, Aaron,” Grove Music Online (2013), accessed May 12, 2026, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-1002249091.
- “El Salón México,” LA Phil, accessed May 12, 2026, https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/pieces/1613/el-salon-mexico.
Cut IDs
40185 40486 20270 20985