Gould’s Star-Spangled Overture is the opening piece of a six- movement orchestral suite called American Ballads, written for the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976.
Hummel’s Grand Bassoon Concerto is reminiscent of concertos written by Mozart and Haydn. It adheres to classical forms, but (as indicated by the title) they are elevated to almost symphonic dimensions.
Mozart’s “Haffner” Symphony was designed as party music for Salzburg and then transformed into a symphony for Vienna. This is music of immense variety and drama, crackling energy and tireless invention.
The genius of John Williams is apparent with his Symphonic Suite from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The music from this epic soundtrack is just what you would expect from the pen of this brilliant composer – grand, poetic, dramatic and lyrical.