Classical Music Compositions from 1940 and later - Vinyl only

rushton, there is a Rorem Naxos CD, 8.559128 ,in their American Classics series called "The End of Summer" that has some of the most original Chamber works I've heard in a long time  Every time I play it, I play it again which is rare for me .. Sorta like Messaien on LSD .
Excellent sound as well .

Hi Rushton - many people do say that Copland is the most American of composers.  He is certainly the most popular, and his music is the most accessible, and he helped define how much American music sounded afterwards, especially in the realm of film music.  He did write a great deal of music that had American history as the theme, too.  

However, Ives actually used quite a bit more of American folk tunes than Copland did, and was very original, experimenting with bi-tonality pretty much before anyone else did, and with quarter-tones, etc.  He was very largely self-taught, after the instruction his father gave him, unlike Copland, who was heavily influenced by the European tradition, having studied with Boulanger and others over there.  At least as much of his music was American themed as Copland, as well.   So for those reasons I would argue that Ives is more quintessentially American as a composer than Copland.  It is an interesting debate, to be sure.  

I agree that Ives is without a doubt the most quintessentially American composer.  He believed, in the classic  American tradition of inclusiveness, that "all sound is potential music".  One of my favorite examples of Americanness,  and of his genius, can be found in his "Concord" piano sonata.  In one of the movements he borrows the famous "fate" motif from Beethoven's Fifth for the main theme, but accompanies it with typical Ivesian dissonance.  A German cliche with American looking to the future; a classic American theme.

Another favorite fact about Ives, and not meaning to turn this discussion to politics, is his refusal to have his music copyrighted and he had  his publisher make free copies available. For me, a sign of the generosity of America.  An amazing genius.

A few composers I have been listening to who are all still alive. There are many more but these three happen to come to mind.
Aaron Jay Kernis
George Tsontakis
Valentin Silvestrov

However, Ives actually used quite a bit more of American folk tunes than Copland did, and was very original, experimenting with bi-tonality pretty much before anyone else did, and with quarter-tones, etc.

Learsfool, you make some very instructive observations about Ives' music. Thank you. I would not disagree with your and frogman's comments. And, I think I still enjoy listening to Copland! :-)