What work provides the best example of the use of folk-music themes in mid-twentieth-century neo-Classical composition?

The choice of Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring" as the best example of the use of folk-music themes in mid-twentieth-century neo-Classical composition is well-founded. This work distinctly embodies Copland's efforts to integrate American folk traditions into concert music, reflecting essential themes of American identity and simplicity.

"Appalachian Spring" incorporates various folk tunes and rhythmic patterns that blend seamlessly with classical forms, resulting in a composition that resonates with the aesthetic of neo-Classicism. The ballet's story and its setting in rural America, along with the use of familiar melodies, create a vibrant portrait of life and community in the American landscape. Specifically, the use of the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts" is a prime example of how Copland effectively weaves folk elements into a classical framework, ultimately contributing to the work's emotional depth and accessibility.

In contrast, while George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" does draw on folk themes, it operates more within the framework of American opera rather than a pure classical composition. Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring," despite its revolutionary use of rhythm and orchestration, is not focused on folk themes in the same way and is more about primal