Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1917 - 1919

First Performance

:

Apr 9, 1954

Average_duration

:

40:36

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Charles Ives' "A Symphony: New England Holidays (Holidays Symphony), S. 5" is a four-movement symphony that was composed between 1904 and 1913. The symphony was premiered on April 30, 1954, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. The first movement, "Washington's Birthday," is a celebration of the first president of the United States. The movement begins with a fanfare that leads into a lively and energetic section that represents the festivities of the holiday. The movement also includes a section that features a solo trumpet playing "The Star-Spangled Banner." The second movement, "Decoration Day," is a tribute to the soldiers who died in the Civil War. The movement begins with a somber and mournful section that represents the sadness and loss of the holiday. The movement then transitions into a more hopeful and uplifting section that represents the celebration of the soldiers' sacrifice. The third movement, "The Fourth of July," is a celebration of America's independence. The movement begins with a section that features a solo trumpet playing "Yankee Doodle." The movement then transitions into a lively and energetic section that represents the festivities of the holiday. The fourth and final movement, "Thanksgiving and Forefathers' Day," is a celebration of the Pilgrims and their journey to America. The movement begins with a section that features a solo violin playing "Simple Gifts," a traditional Shaker hymn. The movement then transitions into a section that represents the feast and celebration of the holiday. Overall, "A Symphony: New England Holidays (Holidays Symphony), S. 5" is a unique and innovative symphony that incorporates traditional American music and themes into a classical symphonic form. The symphony showcases Ives' ability to blend different musical styles and influences into a cohesive and powerful work of art.

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