H. Leslie Adams

Full Orchestra

From the composer:

The first movement has the tempo terms, Allegro; Molto maestoso and Presto. In a large sonata form, the 21-minute movement introduces the main themes, treats them fugally in an extended development, and recapitulates them while building to a rapid climax.

The second movement has the indications, Largo, Molto deciso, and Largo. In this 12-minute movement, a theme that tended to mentally recur to the Composer throughout his teen years is realized here.

The third movement, a quasi-scherzo, is marked, Allegro; Meno mosso; and Tempo 1. A playful main theme is first introduced in the strings, then winds, and set apart by several fugato passages before the full orchestra joins in echoing the melody. In the mid-section, the theme takes on an expanded quality, played by several combinations of solo and ensemble groupings. These thematic re-statements become increasingly more fragmented and complex and, after reaching an energetic peak, their density subsides and a transition leads to the return of the original spirited style, bringing this 6-minute movement to a joyful close.

The forth movement is a l7-minute broad sonata-allegro design in which several themes are developed and recapitulated, concluding with a brief recurring theme from the first movement, bringing the entire symphony to a majestic conclusion.