Vincent Persichetti (1915-1987)

Introduction
Persichetti was an American composer, teacher, and pianist born in Philadelphia in 1915. At the age of five, Persichetti began studying piano, organ, and double bass at the Combs College of Music. He wrote nine symphonies and four string quartets.

Work Analysis
I chose to analyze Symphony for Band by Persichetti. This was Persichetti’s sixth symphony and it is written in four movements (Adagio-Allegro, Adagio Sostenuto, Allegretto, and Vivace). The movements contrast each other heavily while revolving around similar themes to keep the identity of the piece intact. It premiered in 1956, post-war time.

Comparisons
This work is one of the more similar ones to pieces by Beethoven and/or Mozart in the sen​​​​​​​se that is sounds more classical than modern. The drums in the beginning sound like something that would have been used for the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. It’s repetitive phrases remind me of something classical as well.

​​​​​​​Observations
I actually enjoyed this piece because it was more comfortable to listen to. I understand that not all music is supposed to be comfortable, but this piece is what I am used to listening to when I think of classical music, even though this is not written during that time period.