	      Copland composed this ballet score for Martha Graham who was a powerful dancer and choreographer.  Appalachian Spring has endured far beyond most ballets of the twentieth century.  You will notice the quotes of American sounds associated with the rural life of barn dances, fiddle music and tunes associated with religious revivals.  One of the actual folk tunes that makes it into the score is from the Shakers (a religious group) entitled Simple Gifts.  This section of the ballet is structure as a theme and Variations based on this simple folk song.  The tune is rarely hidden by Copland but he does create some remarkable contrasts, especially in variation 3.
	    The orchestra is typical of the 20th century including a piano and a large percussion section.  The size of the orchestra allows Copland to build this section to a majestic climax.