Aaron Copland composed his Third Symphony on a commission from the Koussevitzky Music Foundation. He formulated initial plans for it in 1943, but actual work on the symphony was not begun until August, 1944, while he was staying in a little village in Mexico. The symphony was completed on September 29, 1946, barely in time for its premiere by Serge Koussevitzky and the Boston Symphony Orchestra on October 18 of that year. The score bears a dedication “To the memory of my dear friend Natalie Koussevitzky”.

'Appalachian Spring' and 'El Salón Mexicó' are archetypical of what many people consider to be the sound of American music, evoking the vast landscapes, cowboys and pioneer spirit. Yet, in the 20th century perhaps only Stravinsky was as adept in as many styles as Aaron Copland [1900-1990]. His Piano Concerto, first performed by Serge Koussevitsky, is a good example of Copland the modernist but he also wrote chamber music, ballets, operas and film scores, as well as teaching, writing and latterly conducting.