American Symphonette No. 2 – Gould

CSO opens the November concert, Land that I Love with Gould’s American Symphonette No. 2, an infectiously playful piece that blends jazz, swing, and classical forms in a way that showcases the composer’s crossover genius. Gould actually coined the term “Symphonette” as a nod to 1930s Americanisms like kitchenette and dinette, capturing the cultural flavor of the era.  The piece includes three short movements, of which the second, “Pavanne,” remains a favorite in concert halls.  It features a muted trumpet, a walking bassoon line, and swing-inspired orchestration.  Its charm lies in the elegant fusion of classical structure with jazzy flair, making it one of Gould’s most frequently performed works.

Composer Highlight

Morton Gould (1913–1996).  A child prodigy, Gould published his first composition at six and studied at the Institute of Musical Art in New York. He began his career performing in movie theaters and became the staff pianist at Radio City Music Hall in 1932. He later worked as a conductor and arranger for national radio shows.

Gould’s work spanned genres and formats, including classical, pops, Broadway, jazz, and Latin American music. He released dozens of LPs for major record labels and composed for ballet, film, television, and Broadway. His compositions were commissioned by prestigious institutions such as the Library of Congress, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, American Ballet Theatre, and the New York City Ballet.

Known for his inventive spirit, Gould created works that incorporated unexpected elements. These included a rapping narrator in The Jogger and the Dinosaur, tap dancing in Tap Dance Concerto, and a singing fire department in Hosedown. As a conductor, he led major orchestras across the United States and internationally.

Gould’s accolades include a Grammy Award for his recording of Charles Ives’ Symphony No. 1 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1995, and the Kennedy Center Honor recognizing his lifetime contributions to American culture.

American Symphonette No. 2 will be a delightful way to begin the second installment of CSO’s Celebrating America season!