Copland, Aaron. (1900–1990). Group of Letters regarding Copland's First Visit to Japan. Four TLS, each one page, signed variously "Aaron Copland," "Aaron C" or "Aaron." Usual folds, modest toning, overall fine condition. The first (July 5, 1963) thanking American conductor Thor Johnson, who had met Copland at Tanglewood, for his introduction to the composer and critic Heuwell Tircuit. In the following letter (September 10, 1964), to Tircuit ("Dear Turki"), Copland sends a list (no longer present) of "events at Tanglewood that concern themselves with contemporary American music" and has "checked off those works which seem to me most indicated to be sent for further performance in Japan." Two years later (Feb 3, 1966), Copland thanks Tircuit for a letter from that January in which "it's obvious that you know more about the inside and outside of Japan musical life than anybody around" and reports that his "enthusiasm for the project tipped the scales and I decided to go! The visit will last from Sept 9 to 28, and during the period I am to conduct 3 concerts with the Yomiuri. Unfortunately, all this is tied in with CBS Records so that I'm going to have to put a lot of emphasis in programs on things that are already recorded and presently available in Japan." He goes on to ask Tircuit if he "might know of special pieces in the general repertoire which Tokyo has never heard and which might be of special interest to them." Copland writes again after he returns from Japan (October 11, 1966), reporting that his "three weeks in Japan turned out very well I think. Had three concerts with the Yomiuris and some nice times with Donald Ritchie and friends. You were a big help too." He also suggests Tircuit meet with critic Peter Heyworth of the London Observer, who will be passing through San Francisco.
In 1966 Heuwell Tircuit, former music critic for the Japan Times in Tokyo, was attending classes led by composer/writer Virgil Thompson at the University of Southern California. Copland was considering a trip to Japan and asked Tircuit for some advice. A few months later, Tircuit was appointed Music Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. They eventually met in January 1967 in San Francisco and maintained a professional relationship for many years.
In 1966 Heuwell Tircuit, former music critic for the Japan Times in Tokyo, was attending classes led by composer/writer Virgil Thompson at the University of Southern California. Copland was considering a trip to Japan and asked Tircuit for some advice. A few months later, Tircuit was appointed Music Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. They eventually met in January 1967 in San Francisco and maintained a professional relationship for many years.
Copland, Aaron. (1900–1990). Group of Letters regarding Copland's First Visit to Japan. Four TLS, each one page, signed variously "Aaron Copland," "Aaron C" or "Aaron." Usual folds, modest toning, overall fine condition. The first (July 5, 1963) thanking American conductor Thor Johnson, who had met Copland at Tanglewood, for his introduction to the composer and critic Heuwell Tircuit. In the following letter (September 10, 1964), to Tircuit ("Dear Turki"), Copland sends a list (no longer present) of "events at Tanglewood that concern themselves with contemporary American music" and has "checked off those works which seem to me most indicated to be sent for further performance in Japan." Two years later (Feb 3, 1966), Copland thanks Tircuit for a letter from that January in which "it's obvious that you know more about the inside and outside of Japan musical life than anybody around" and reports that his "enthusiasm for the project tipped the scales and I decided to go! The visit will last from Sept 9 to 28, and during the period I am to conduct 3 concerts with the Yomiuri. Unfortunately, all this is tied in with CBS Records so that I'm going to have to put a lot of emphasis in programs on things that are already recorded and presently available in Japan." He goes on to ask Tircuit if he "might know of special pieces in the general repertoire which Tokyo has never heard and which might be of special interest to them." Copland writes again after he returns from Japan (October 11, 1966), reporting that his "three weeks in Japan turned out very well I think. Had three concerts with the Yomiuris and some nice times with Donald Ritchie and friends. You were a big help too." He also suggests Tircuit meet with critic Peter Heyworth of the London Observer, who will be passing through San Francisco.
In 1966 Heuwell Tircuit, former music critic for the Japan Times in Tokyo, was attending classes led by composer/writer Virgil Thompson at the University of Southern California. Copland was considering a trip to Japan and asked Tircuit for some advice. A few months later, Tircuit was appointed Music Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. They eventually met in January 1967 in San Francisco and maintained a professional relationship for many years.
In 1966 Heuwell Tircuit, former music critic for the Japan Times in Tokyo, was attending classes led by composer/writer Virgil Thompson at the University of Southern California. Copland was considering a trip to Japan and asked Tircuit for some advice. A few months later, Tircuit was appointed Music Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. They eventually met in January 1967 in San Francisco and maintained a professional relationship for many years.