Vincent Persichetti was not only pivotal to the development of the symphonic band repertoire that began to flourish in the high schools and colleges of the United States during the 1950s, but became one of its most distinguished exponents. He contributed fourteen works, many of which have become staples of the genre. Persichetti’s music exhibits a wide stylistic range, ranging from the relative simplicity of works such as the exuberant Psalm and Pageant, and the Divertimento, which alternates between a sense of mischief and a poignant vein of nostalgia, to the dazzlingly complex Parable.
Persichetti was an inventive and powerful symphonies who followed the traditions of Piston, Roy Harris and William Schumann. He was a particularly distinguished composer for wind ensemble, and these inventive and vital works are well worth exploring, particularly given the competitive price. The playing of the LSO Winds under David Amos is virtuosic and infectious. Let us hope Naxos will give us some of the symphonies. --Penguin Guide ***, January 2009
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