Fanfare for the Common Man

Fanfare for the Common Man
Company type	Musical composition
Industry	Music, Orchestral music
Founded	1942
Founder	Aaron Copland
Products	Orchestral fanfare

Fanfare for the Common Man is a 1942 composition by American composer Aaron Copland, created at the request of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Eugene Aynsley Goossens. The inspiration behind this piece originated from a speech delivered by then American Vice President Henry A. Wallace, who proclaimed the era as the "Century of the Common Man," serving as a cultural statement aligned with World War II efforts.

Since its debut, various adaptations and segments have been utilized in both US and UK media, broadening its cultural significance and commercial appeal.

Instrumentation

The fanfare's orchestration includes:

four French horns (in F)
three trumpets (in B)
three trombones
one tuba
timpani
bass drum
tam-tam

Fanfare

Conductor Eugene Goossens shared with Copland that during World War I he had commissioned British fanfares to uplift spirits, and he aimed to replicate this initiative with American composers during World War II. Although ten fanfares were commissioned in total, Copland’s composition has remained the most frequently performed and recognized.

The piece directly reflects the wartime atmosphere in the United States and was inspired by Wallace’s 1942 address. While Goossens suggested titles such as Fanfare for Soldiers, Copland selected Fanfare for the Common Man to highlight democratic values amid conflict. Its premiere was deliberately set for March 12, 1943—timed with income tax season—as a symbolic gesture.

Copland later integrated the fanfare’s theme prominently into the fourth movement of his commercially acclaimed Third Symphony (composed between 1944 and 1946), solidifying its role within American orchestral literature.

In television and other media

Elements of Fanfare for the Common Man are echoed in the theme music of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999).

During their 2001 Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration concerts at Madison Square Garden, Michael Jackson and The Jacksons used the fanfare as their introductory music.

Since relocating to the United Center in 1994, the Chicago Blackhawks have incorporated this fanfare into their pre-game video presentations.

Although not directly featured, themes by John Williams for Superman (1978 film) and Saving Private Ryan show influence from Copland’s work. Williams’ score for The Patriot (2000 film) also pays homage to it. Additionally, it served as Jimmy King's theme in Ready to Rumble. The Bollywood movie Parinda prominently integrates this fanfare into its soundtrack.

The initial three notes correspond with sounds produced by MR-73 metro trains departing stations in Montreal.

In Australia, the Seven Network employed "Fanfare" as the opening music for "7 Sport" broadcasts throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Rock adaptations were also used for programs such as Chris Conroy's World of Boats and Chris Conroy's Leisureworld.

On September 21, 2012, it was performed at Los Angeles International Airport marking the final flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

The BBC children’s show Melody featured it during a scene where elephants enjoy a mud bath.

The New York Philharmonic played it on May 15, 2014, during the dedication ceremony of Manhattan’s 9/11 Museum.

In February 2015, it was selected as theme music for the 65th Italian Song Festival.

At Independence Hall on September 26, 2015, it accompanied Pope Francis’s address on religious liberty delivered from Abraham Lincoln’s lectern.

On October 4, 2017, AMC’s series Halt and Catch Fire (Season 4, Episode 9) included it during a pivotal moment for a main character.

On October 31, 2019, the fanfare was broadcast atop Radio24syv’s Copenhagen headquarters as the station ceased operations following loss of its license and funding amid political disputes.

Traditionally, a rendition by the New York Philharmonic is played at Times Square during New Year's Eve celebrations featuring the ball drop.

Professional darts competitor Phil "The Power" Taylor used the opening trumpet calls of this fanfare as his walk-on music before switching to Snap!’s "The Power."

Alternative renditions

British progressive rock group Emerson, Lake & Palmer interpreted Copland's fanfare on their 1977 release Works Volume 1. This rendition became one of their most successful tracks, reaching number two on the UK charts when a shortened single version was issued that same year. Keith Emerson held Copland's Americana aesthetic in high regard, having previously incorporated Copland's Hoedown into the band's 1972 album Trilogy.

The rock ensemble Styx featured a 13-minute composition titled Movement for the Common Man on their inaugural 1971 album, with the fanfare serving as its third segment.

Vincent Montana Jr. produced his own interpretation on the 1978 record "I Love Music".

During the 1990s, "Fanfare" was played at the Aintree Grand National Steeplechase to greet winners as they arrived at the winner's enclosure. Following the relocation of the enclosure in 2010, it was utilized to herald the participants' procession from the paddock to the racecourse.

A rendition by Mannheim Steamroller appears on their album "American Spirit". On August 28, 2010, this version was used to inaugurate Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor rally.

On January 12, 2011, "Fanfare" was performed at "Together We Thrive: Tucson and America", the memorial ceremony honoring victims of the 2011 Tucson shooting.

Bibliography

Copland 1900 Through 1942, authored by Aaron Copland and Vivian Perlis, published by St. Martin's Press in 1984

External links