Symphony of Spirituals

This 1975 work was commissioned by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of the American bicentennial celebrations. It was premiered by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra conducted by Aldo Ceccato, on April 1, 1976. Mostlythemusic is based on original themes by Gould, although there are a few references to actual traditional spirituals, highly transformed by the composer. His intention was to reflect a sound of America's musical heritage inthisbicentennial work.

2 Piccolo, 2 Cor Anglais, 2 Eb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, 2 Contrabassoon, Timpani, 3 Percussion, Harp, Piano, Strings.