Symphonic Songs for Band

Composed in 1957, Symphonic Songs for Band is one of Robert Russell Bennett's most famous compositions for wind band. The work was commissioned for the National Intercollegiate Band by Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, national honorary band fraternity and sorority, as part of the two organizations' commissioning program.[1] Since its premiere, it has become among the most frequently performed works in the wind band repertoire.[2] It is considered to be a cornerstone of the band literature.[3]

Symphonic Songs is a suite of three movements: Serenade, Spiritual, and Celebration. It was premiered in the Salt Lake Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on August 24, 1957, by the National Intercollegiate Band under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel William F. Santelmann, retired director of the United States Marine Band.[4][5] The band comprised 112 musicians from Utah, Florida, Maryland, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, Indiana, and New Mexico.[5]

Instrumentation

Symphonic Songs is scored for piccolo, flutes 1-2, oboe 1, oboe 2 (dbl. Eng. horn), bassoons 1-2, E♭ clarinet, Solo-1st-2nd-3rd B♭ clarinets, E♭ alto clarinet, B♭ bass clarinet, E♭ alto saxophones 1-2, B♭ tenor saxophone, E♭ baritone saxophone, B♭ trumpets 1-2, Solo-1st-2nd-3rd B♭ cornets, F horns 1-2-3-4, trombones 1-2-3, euphonium, tuba, string bass, drums, and timpani.[6]

Structure

Symphonic Songs are as much a suite of dances or scenes as songs, deriving their name from the tendency of the principal parts to sing out a fairly diatonic tune against whatever rhythm develops in the middle instruments. The Serenade has the feeling of strumming, from which the title is obtained, otherwise it bears little resemblance to the serenades of Mozart. The Spiritual may possibly strike the listener as being unsophisticated enough to justify its title, but in performance this movement sounds far simpler than it is. The Celebration recalls an old-time county fair with cheering throngs (in the woodwinds), a circus act or two, and the inevitable mule race.

— Robert Russell Bennett, program note for Symphonic Songs, Goldman Band 27 July 1958 performance

I. Serenade

The work opens in 3/8 with a strong hemiola that gives the listener the impression that the work is in 3/4, with two written 3/8 measures to each perceived 3/4 measure. The hemiola abates somewhat when the main melody begins, but is present until the end of the movement. Clarinet, euphonium, trumpet, and trombone are all featured in solos.[7]

II. Spiritual

The Spiritual is in A–B–A form with a blues-inspired background over which the euphonium, cornet, horn choir, English horn, flute, and piccolo solo. The movement ends with a split-third chord, resulting in a simultaneous major and minor tonality.[7]

III. Celebration

The work ends with a bright celebration reminiscent of a country fair. Instruments evoke the sounds of the calliope and birdsong, and woodwinds act as the "cheering throngs" at a mule race. The movement ends with a "final thrust of full forces on a suspended high chord" with a "stinger" at the end.[7]

See also

References
  1. Kappa Kappa Psi (2011). "The Fraternity and Sorority Commissioning Program". In Smith, Nick (ed.). Guide to Membership for the 2011–2013 Biennium (PDF). Stillwater, OK: Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma. p. 53. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-01-02.
  2. Hawkins, Roy Benton (August 1989). "A Television Pioneer, An Elder Statesman (1952–1981)". The Life and Work of Robert Russell Bennett (PDF) (Ph.D. diss.). Lubbock: Texas Tech University. pp. 134–5.
  3. Archer, Kimberly (2009). "Ten Works All Band Conductors at All Levels Should Study". In Camphouse, Mark (ed.). Composers on Composing for Band. 4. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 23–6. ISBN 978-1-57999-739-7.
  4. "Collegiate Band Plans Tabernacle Concert Saturday". Deseret News and Salt Lake Telegram. Salt Lake City. August 15, 1957. p. B13. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  5. "Collegiate Band To Give Concert Aug. 24 In S. L." Deseret News and Salt Lake Telegram. Salt Lake City. August 23, 1957. p. A9. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  6. Bennett, Robert Russell (2007) [Composed 1957]. Ferencz, George (ed.). Symphonic Songs for Band (Musical score) (Deluxe ed.). Milwaukee: Hal Leonard.
  7. Winds of Change (Media notes). Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble; John P. Paynter, conductor. Recorded Anthology of American Music. 1997 [Recorded 1977]. 80211.CS1 maint: others (link)
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