Composed in a bold rhetorical style, Vincent Persichetti's works for symphonic winds may not be regarded as his most deeply affecting compositions, but they are certainly effective Gebrauchsmusik for public occasions. By combining the neo-Classicism of
Stravinsky and
Hindemith with the Americana style of
Piston and
Schumann, Persichetti fashioned band music that is sophisticated in technique and populist in feeling. These qualities blend well in such openhearted works as the Divertimento (1950), the Symphony No. 6 (1956), and the Serenade No. 11 (1960), which abound with bright woodwind timbres and incisive brass sonorities, elaborately worked in energetic counterpoint and exciting rhythms. A more reverent, hymn-like tone opens the Psalm (1952) and Pageant (1953), yet these works eventually swing into the jaunty, active style noted in the above works. Even the astringent Masquerade (1965) and Parable IX (1972) soon develop along familiar lines and present few difficulties despite all their dissonances. The
North Texas Wind Symphony and the
Cincinnati Wind Symphony, conducted by
Eugene Migliaro Corporon, revel in their enriched ensemble blend, though the combined sections play with enough tonal nuance and melodic fluidity to make this large band seem reasonable in size and volume. GIA's reproduction is superb, but there are some extremely loud spots to adjust.