Robert A. Harris

Symphony No. 9 (1962)

Roy Harris (1898-1979) was an American composer who often wrote on American subjects. His Ninth Symphony (1962) was dedicated to the city of Philadelphia, and took inspiration from the PhiladelphiaConvention, using phrases from the preamble to the U. S. Constitution as subtitles for each movement.

Harris was a major force behind the creation of the home-grown American symphonic style that endures tothis day. While he best remembered for his 3rd Symphony, his later orchestral works provide perhaps even more reward for the listener. His Ninth reflects the perceived decline in morals among 20th CenturyAmerica, and as such is heavier and more angst-driven than many of his earlier works. While this is initially disconcerting, it provides this piece with a unique character, and sets it aside from, and above, its contemporaries.