Hanson's spiritual nature was profound; he considered becoming a Lutheran minister as a young man and remained deeply religious throughout his life.
Composition History
Hanson's Symphony No. 4 'Requiem' was inspired by the death of his father and is dedicated to him.
Composer Biography
Howard Hanson (1896-1981) was a forthright and generous individual whose "fervent embrace" of Romanticism extended to teaching, conducting, and encouraging other musicians.
Composition History
Hanson's Symphony No. 5 'Sinfonia Sacra' was inspired by the story of Christ's resurrection as described in the Gospel of St. John.
Composition History
Dies Natalis was commissioned by the Nebraska Centennial Commission and is dedicated to Hanson's native state of Nebraska on its 100th birthday.
Notable Performances
The Fourth Symphony had its premiere on December 3, 1943, with Hanson himself conducting the Boston Symphony, and it received the first Pulitzer Prize given to music in 1944.
Composition History
The Elegy in Memory of Serge Koussevitzky, longtime Music Director of the Boston Symphony, was a joint commission from the Koussevitzky Foundation and the Boston Symphony.
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Hersch: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 / Fracta / Arrache
Enescu: Rhapsody No.2, Symphony No.2
Glass: Symphony No. 4, 'Heroes' / The Light
Schmidt: Symphony No. 4 - Variations on a Hussar's Song
Akses: Symphony No. 4 for Cello and Orchestra - Concerto for Orchestra
Copland: Orchestral Works, Vol. 2 (Symphonies)
Sessions: Concerto for Orchestra – Panufnik: Sinfonia votiva
