Orchestral Works

From a Moonlit Ceremony was premiered in 1946 by Stokowski and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. It is a suite in four movements, colorful, tuneful, and attractive. It was inspired by the composer attending a Native American ceremony near Mt Ranier, but conveys his impressions rather than trying to portray the activities. Harbor Narrative was inspired by a boat trip around Puget Sound. The final work on the program, Evocation Symphony, subtitled Symphony for Seattle, was commissioned in 1951 to celebrate the city's centennial. It is in three movements, and it manages to rise above the level of 'official music' and sustain interest from beginning to end.