Fanfare for the Common Man

Composed in 1942 during World War II, Fanfare for the Common Man was originally intended to be dedicated to American soldiers. Aaron Copland chose instead to pay tribute to the common man, believing that everyone made sacrifices to support the war effort. Fanfare for the Common Man inspired many musicians in the decades that followed. The band Emerson Lake & Palmer produced a rock version—which they recorded at Montréal’s Olympic Stadium—while composer John Williams drew inspiration from some of the piece’s themes for the soundtracks of Superman (1978) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Montrealers may also recognize the first three notes of the piece from the sound of the city’s Metro cars.