AFSE9 SYMPHONY #3 MVT 4

Program Note

Vittorio Giannini (1903-1966) was one of the most distinguished American composers of the first half of the twentieth century. He was a prolific composer, producing dozens of works notable for their melodic warmth, high-spirited exuberance, and impeccable craftsmanship. He became one of the counter's most active composition teachers, serving concurrently at the Juilliard School, Manhattan School, and Curtis Institute of Music. Of his five works for concert band, the warmly affirmative Symphony No. 3 is one of the most beloved works in the genre.

Note to the Conductor

Because of the constantly shifting tonality of this exciting work, key signatures are of little use here, therefore the composer's approach was to write in what is known as pseudo-C. Therefore accidentals rule the day. Vigilance will be needed to make certain they are observed for the entire bar.

Keep the tempo crisp and steady. This movement is characterized by phrases that alternate between punctuated energy and flowing lyricism. Attention to the sudden dynamic and stylistic changes will help achieve this.

The comma at bar 150 is often treated as a cesura, a momentary stop. A more stately tempo follows at bars 151-164, conveying the mood of a processional. This soon gives way with the accelerando at bars 165-170 returning to the original tempo from 171 to the end.