William Grant Still: Symphony No. 5, ‘Western Hemisphere’

Written in 1945, Still’s Fifth is an attractive, easy to listen to and evocative American Symphony.

The movements are described thusly:

• 1. “The vigorous, life-sustaining forces of the Hemisphere” (briskly)
• 2. “The natural beauties of the Hemisphere” (slower, and with utmost grace)
• 3. “The nervous energy of the Hemisphere” (energetically)
• 4. “The overshadowing spirit of kindness and justice in the Hemisphere” (moderately)

John Jeter conducts the Fort Smith Symphony.