Austin Symphonic Band Performing Symphonic Dance No. 3, "Fiesta"
Austin Symphonic Band. April 23, 2023 concert at the Connally HS Performing Arts Center in Austin, TX. ASB performing Symphonic Dance No. 3, "Fiesta" by Clifton Williams. Music Director Dr. Kyle R. Glaser conducting. "Texas Treasures" Concert.
Video and Sound Production: Eddie Jennings
From the program notes written by David Cross:
Symphonic Dance No. 3, “Fiesta” (1964)
Clifton Williams (1923–1976)
Commissioned by the San Antonio Symphony to commemorate its 25th anniversary, Symphonic Dance No. 3 is part of a five-dance set, representing the evolution of the city of San Antonio. Depicted in this piece is the pageantry of a Latin American celebration, the bull fights, street bands, bright costumes, and colorful legacy of a proud people. Williams rescored this work for wind band in 1967.
In 1949, Clifton Williams joined the composition department at the University of Texas School of Music. During this time, he also played horn in the Austin and San Antonio Symphony Orchestras. He taught at UT until 1966, when he was appointed Chair of the Theory and Composition Department at University of Miami School of Music. His composition students included W. Francis McBeth, Robert Sheldon, and John Barnes Chance. He was a close colleague of fellow composer Alfred Reed while the two worked at the University of Miami, their offices being only steps apart in the music building.
Listen for:
• A dramatic opening with half-step dissonances and maraca punctuations
• Orchestra bells representing the missions of San Antonio, leading to a 5/4 groove
• The bold trumpet solo heralding the matador’s entrance
• An exciting ending, with the trombone section having the last word
