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Symphony in B-flat (Hindemith)

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Paul Hindemith

Paul Hindemith


Contents

General Info

Year: 1951
Duration: c. 17:00
Difficulty: VII (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Schott Music
Cost: Score and Parts - $250.00   |   Score Only: $69.95


Movements

1. Moderately Fast - c. 6:30
2. Andante Grazioso - c. 5:30
3. Fugue - c. 5:00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
Eb Soprano Clarinet
Bb Soprano Clarinet Solo
Bb Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone I-II
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
Bb Cornet Solo
Bb Cornet I-II-III
Bb Trumpet I-II
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Cymbals (crash)
  • Glockenspiel
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Symphony for Concert Band was composed at the request of Lt. Col. Hugh Curry, leader of the United States Army Band, and was premiered in Washington, D.C., on April 5, 1951, with the composer conducting. The three-movement suite shows Hindemith's great contrapunctal skill, and the organized logic of his thematic material. His melodies develop ever-expanding lines, and his skill in the organization and utilization of complex rhythmic variation adds spice and zest to the strength of his melodies.

The first movement is in sonata allegro form in three sections, with the recapitulation economically utilizing both themes together in strong counterpoint. The second and third movements develop and expand their thematic material in some of the most memorable contrapunctal writing for winds. The second movement opens with an imitative duet between alto saxophone and cornet, accompanied by a repeated chord figure. The duet theme, along with thematic material from the opening movement, provides the basic material for the remainder of the movement. The closing section of the third movement utilizes the combined themes while the woodwinds amplify the incessant chattering of the first movement. The brass and percussion adamantly demand a halt with a powerful final cadence.

The Symphony in B-Flat rivals any orchestra composition in length, breadth, and content, and served to convince other first-rank composers -- including Giannini, Persichetti, Creston, and Hovhaness -- that the band is a legitimate medium for serious music.


- Program note by Hubert Henderson and James Jorgenson


Commercial Discography


State Ratings

  • Florida:    ---   (The Florida Bandmasters Association denotes this as "significant literature.")
    • Grade VI: Any movement
  • New York:
    • Grade VI: Movement I or Movement III
  • South Carolina: "Masterworks"
  • Virginia: VI (full performance of all movements counts as two works)


Recent Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • San Francisco Wind Ensemble (Martin Seggelke,conductor) - 20 April 2013
  • Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds (Stephen Piazza, conductor) - 3 March 2013
  • Baldwin-Wallace Symphonic Wind Ensemble (C. Dwight Oltman, conductor) - 28 October 2011
  • Florida International University Wind Ensemble (Catherine Rand, conductor) - 12 October 2010
  • High School Symphonic Band [Interlochen, Mich.] (Frederick Fennell, conductor) - 6 August 1978


Works for Winds by this Composer


Additional Resources



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