By American composer Aaron Copland (not John Williams, although his scoring of Saving Private Ryan incorporates any aspects of Fanfare for the Common Man). It is a short piece scored for brass and percussion, and is one of the most recognizable pieces of 20th century American classical music. It premiered at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra on March 13, 1943, around tax time, to which Copland reportedly said: "I [am] all for honoring the common man at income tax time." The piece was played to fireworks at the closing ceremonies of New York's Shea Stadium on September 28, 2008. Here's to the Common Man (and to the Common Woman, too)! To those who raise families, work, vote, pay taxes, and defend our country, both at home and abroad. Long may they live.
