Like his idol Charles Ives before him, Aaron Copland was enchanted by the folksy nature of American ballads, hymns and minstrel tunes. In contrast to Ives, however, he only occasionally used folk melodies as themes in his compositions, preferring original themes and giving them a folk-like flavor.
The two sets of Old American Songs are an exception. Copland used authentic folk melodies, giving them an unmistakable "Copland flavor." The five of Set I were composed in 1950 at the request of Benjamin Britten, and were premiered by Britten and his partner, tenor Peter Pears; the five of Set II came two years later. Originally composed for voice and piano, Copland orchestrated them soon after and also reset some of them for chorus.
The melody for Zion’s Walls was composed by mid-19th century composer John McCurry. Copland also used it in his opera The Tender Land.
"Zion's Walls"
Come fathers and mothers,
Come sisters and brothers,
Come join us in singing the praises of Zion.
O fathers, don't you feel determined
To meet within the walls of Zion?
We'll shout and go round
The walls of Zion.
Program notes by: Joseph & Elizabeth Kahn