In 1951 Hindemith's Symphony in Bb Premiered Today

On April 5th, 1951, the band world eagerly awaited the premiere of Hindemith's Symphony in Bb for wind band.  The composer who had brought us Symphonic Metamorphosis and Mathis de Mahler was going to write an original work for the modern wind band.  And the Symphony in Bb did not disappoint.

The work was premiered by the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," under the baton of the composer himself.  Hindemith wrote the composition at the request of the Army Band's conductor, Major Hugh Curry. The three-movement symphony showcased Hindemith's mastery of counterpoint development of thematic material.  The final movement culminates in an incredible double fugue, which is juxtaposed against the original theme from the first movement.  Take a moment to listen to the Eastman Wind Ensemble's performance of this masterwork for the wind band!

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu3uZ4Yurvc[/embed]