At the 1982 Royal Tournament in London, The Queens Guard would assemble silently in darkness each night in a remote corner of the performance arena, and form sharply at attention as “Fanfare for the Common Man” was played…….a uniquely American piece, honorably introducing The Queens Guard to its enthusiastic audience. As the piece closed, and the spotlights washed over its members, The Queens Guard entered center arena in performance array.

In August 1942, Eugene Goossens, Conductor of The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, approached 18 American composers to request their submission of a patriotic fanfare to support morale and the nation’s war effort. Goossens launched a similar project during World War I among British composers, which was viewed as largely successful and inspirational in the quality of pieces produced.

Subsequently, Goossens selected Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man”, and introduced the piece in April 1943, in tribute to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines of the U.S. Armed Forces engaged in the global conflict of World War II.

Aaron Copland was born in November 1900 in Brooklyn, and distinguished himself throughout his life as one of America’s most creative and accomplished composers. His works were many, including classical, jazz, ballet and modern pieces, some more popularly recognized such as “Appalachian Spring” and “Billy the Kid”. Copland passed away in December 1990 in Tarrytown, New York.

The Queens Guard adopted Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” as its anthem, in light of the piece’s distinctively American character and tribute to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Listen to “Fanfare for the Common Man” as performed by The London Symphony Orchestra.