| Prentiss Taylor (1907-1991) |
In his professional and personal life, Prentiss Taylor encountered many eminent figures in the literary, visual and performing arts. Of special note was the American composer was Aaron Copland. In 1929, Copland participated in a concert of works by young American composers. Two works received their premiers at this recital, including Vitebsk (Etude sur un thème juif) for violin, cello and piano, which featured Copeland at the piano, and Deux pièces written for string quartet. A postcard written several days before the recital describes the trip and Copland's activities in Paris (including a visit to see the great pianist Nadia Boulanger with whom Copland studied): ". . .been to the the Russian Ballet, tea at Boulangers, sat at the Dome etc. This is Paris."
![]() ![]() Postcard from Aaron Copland to Prentiss Taylor, June 13, 1929. Prentiss Taylor papers, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution. |


Program from Concert d’Œuvres de Jeunes Compositeurs
Américains, 1929.
Prentiss Taylor papers, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
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