Typed letter signed from the important American composer to fellow composer David Diamond. June 18, 1974; 1 p. Copland writes: "Dear David, Sorry to have held on to the libretto so long. It seems like a 'monster' job to put all those words to music. I will not attempt to judge the play itself, knowing so well what music does to mere words. I rather regret that so much use was made of the rhyme sequence. In the reading, I found it a disturbing detail—mostly because it calls attention to itself. At any rate, the task is formidable, and I certainly wish you luck with it! All best, Aaron. P.S. Am returning the libretto under separate cover." Toning around edges; some small edge tears; overall very good. 5.75 x 7.75 inches (14.8 x 19.7 cm).

From the collection of David Diamond, considered one of the preeminent American composers of his generation. He enjoyed wide success in the 1940's and 1950's, before the serial and modernist trends largely pushed him into the shadows. The New York Times described him as "part of what some considered a forgotten generation of great American symphonists, including Howard Hanson, Roy Harris, William Schuman, Walter Piston and Peter Mennin."