Symphony No.3 "Sunday Symphony" - William Grant Still

Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Jeter

I - The Awakening. Moderately fast: 0:00
II - Prayer. Very slowly: 3:44
III - Relaxation. Gaily: 10:15
IV - Day's End and a new beginning. Resolutely: 12:42

The Symphony No.3 of William Grant Still was composed in 1958, in Mission Viejo, California, being the last written of his symphonies, later renumbered as No.3. It is the only one that could not be premiered during his life. The first performance took place after his death in Harrison, Arkansas, on February 12, 1984, performed by the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra conducted by Carlton Woods. The act took place during the William Grant Still Festival.

Written in four movements, which bear titles suggesting the activities carried out on a typical Sunday, from the awakening until the end of the day. A happy first movement to start the day with optimism, followed by a prayer. After a relaxing dance the day ends happily waiting for the new day.

The first movement, Moderately: The Awakening, after a few calls of metal appears the first theme, full of enthusiasm and joy. After a brief development, ends with a living recapitulation.

The second movement, Very Slow: Prayer, presents a blues interpreted by the English horn, as a sign of prayer. In the central part it increases its expression until arriving at the solemn presentation of the theme. Composed in the form of an arc, in the final part it turns to the beginning, with the melody interpreted by the English horn.

The third movement, Gaily: Relaxation, corresponds to a brief scherzo. The wood presents a fine dance, answered by serious rhythmic sounds of metal and percussion. The wood closes the movement with a sharp rhythm.

The last movement, Resolutely: Day's End and A New Beginning, begins more seriously with a rhythmic theme of solemn aspect. A second melodic theme of romantic character produces the proper contrast, signaling hope in a new day. The recapitulation closes the work through a decisive coda.

A music with a certain innocence that expresses the religious beliefs of Still, each day being a new opportunity to serve the creator.

Picture: "Gullah Country Church" by the Afro-American painter John W. Jones.

Sources from this spanish website on Still symphonism: http://www.historiadelasinfonia.es/naciones/la-sinfonia-en-los-estados-unidos/los-compositores-mas-notables-1/grant-still/

Видео Symphony No.3 "Sunday Symphony" - William Grant Still канала Sergio Cánovas