- Title
- Preamble for a Solemn Occasion
- Subtitle
- Hymn for the United Nations
- For
- orchestra, with optional narrator
- Alternate Title
- Hymn for the United Nations (Alternate/Synonymous)
- Year Composed
- 1949
- Scoring
- 3(II,III=picc).2.corA.2.bcl.2.dbn-4.3.3.1-timp.perc(3):gong/vib/cyms/ tgl/BD/TD-harp-strings
- ARCO Number(s)
- 64
- Category
- Orchestral
- Duration
- 6'
- Text Information
- Text from the Preamble to the United Nations Charter (E)
- Premiere
- World: New York, NY, December 10th, 1949 (Laurence Olivier, Boston Symphony Orchestra, cond. Leonard Bernstein)
- Commission Info
- The National Broadcasting Company for the United Nations
- Publisher
- Boosey & Hawkes
- Publishing Status
- Published
- Versions
- Preamble for a Solemn Occassion (arr. band) (1973) (Arrangement)
- Arrangements
- Preamble for a Solemn Occasion (for organ) (arr. Carl Weinrich)
- In Collection
Buying Options
Boosey & HawkesProgram Note
Originally conceived as a hymn, this slow and stately piece was written to mark the first anniversary of the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" by the United Nations. As Copland said, "It was not difficult to compose, for the words, which were drawn directly from the United Nations Charter, were in themselves inspiring." Copland revised the accompaniment so that Preamble can be played by orchestra without narrator as well. It is particularly appropriate for performances at special occasions.
- Author
- Vivian Perlis
- Year
- 1998
