Grand Canyon Suite – Grofé

It is fitting that the CSO’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary includes Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite, one of the most iconic works in American music. Composed between 1929 and 1931, this vivid orchestral piece remains a favorite among audiences for its ability to encapsulate the stunning beauty of the American landscape.

Originally named Five Pictures of the Grand Canyon, Grofé created this piece for Paul Whiteman’s jazz band. In 2000, National Public Radio called the Grand Canyon Suite one of the 100 most significant American musical compositions of the 20th century. While it is performed less frequently today than during its peak popularity, audiences continue to be captivated by its color, imagination, and sweeping grandeur.

The suite consists of five movements, each depicting a distinct scene from the Grand Canyon: Sunrise, Painted Desert, On the Trail, Sunset, and Cloudburst. The most recognizable movement, On the Trail, has enjoyed a life of its own. It has been featured in numerous commercials and films, including Bob Clark’s “A Christmas Story” and early Philip Morris cigarette advertisements.

Grofé’s description of his inspiration for the piece demonstrates his profound emotional connection to the landscape. During a radio interview in the 1950s, he reflected on a sunrise he witnessed during a visit to the Grand Canyon in 1916. He recounted, “I first saw the dawn because we arrived the night before and camped. I was spellbound by the silence. As it became lighter, I could hear the birds chirping and nature coming to life. Then, suddenly bingo! There it was the sun. I could hardly describe it in words because words would be inadequate.”

Composer Highlight

Ferdinand Rudolf, aka “Ferde” Grofé was born in New York in 1892 into an intensely musical family. His father was an actor and singer of light opera; his mother, a professional cellist; his grandfather played cello in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; and his uncle was concertmaster of the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra.

As a boy, Grofé showed a quick musical mind and learned to play numerous instruments, though he had little interest in academics. He left school and home at 14, working a series of odd jobs before beginning to perform professionally on piano, violin, and alto horn. His first commission came from the Elks Lodge in 1909, when he composed a song for their convention.

Grofé went on to become one of the most innovative arrangers and composers of his time. As chief arranger for Paul Whiteman’s orchestra, he was the first jazz arranger to incorporate European orchestral techniques into American popular music. His creative skill helped elevate jazz from dance hall entertainment to a respected art form.

In addition to composing the Grand Canyon Suite, Grofé is best known for orchestrating George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a work that celebrates the vast and varied spirit of America, and which CSO will present later this season with soloist Michelle Cann.

This concert promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing new music, world-class artistry, and a celebration of Wyoming’s creative spirit!