Henry Cowell’s symphonic series, episode 10: As we finish our ongoing survey of one of the great American composers, this is an evening to discover two forgotten rarities: the fourth and the ninth symphonies. Cowell composed an astonishing variety of symphonic works – large and small, intimate and bombastic, funny and poignant. Devoted to American folk music, whether dances or hymns, he brings these to full symphonic glory.

In this episode of American Highways, pianist Guy Livingston brings us the tenth episode of the Henry Cowell complete symphonies.

AMERICAN HIGHWAYS EPISODE #73: Henry Cowell, Symphonic Conclusion

Playlist:

Theme Music :

Henry Cowell

Symphony #11 “Seven Rituals of Music”

VI. Vivace

Robert Whitney: Louisville Orchestra

First Edition FECD-0003

Henry Cowell

Air and Scherzo (orchestral version)

I. Air

II. Scherzo

Ulrich Krieger, saxophone; Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra cond. by Charles Peltz

Mode records 293

Henry Cowell

Symphony No. 4 “Short Symphony” (1946)

Eastman-Rochester Symphony / Howard Hanson, cond.

Mercury LP ASIN: B003DNKG4Q

Henry Cowell

Symphony No. 9 (1953)

(1) Largo

(2) Allegro

(3) Allegretto quasi andante

(4) Presto

(5) Allegro

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, cond by David Van Vactor

private recording, Wheeler collection; unreleased