Pax Americana

... A cornerstone of American classical music. Commissioned by Martha Graham for a ballet depicting a 19th-century pioneer wedding in rural Pennsylvania, it celebrates the optimism, simplicity, and frontier spirit of American life. The score masterfully blends open harmonies, folk-like melodies, and the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts” into a sound that evokes vast landscapes and communal hope. Premiering during World War II, it resonated as a symbol of national identity and resilience. Its orchestral suite remains beloved for defining the “Pax Americana” —nostalgic yet forward-looking.