Howard Hanson's 3rd symphony performed on NBC radio, March 26, 1936
Howard Harold Hanson, was an American composer, music theorist and ardent champion of American classical music, helped to shape the rich music culture of the United States.
Hanson wove Swedish and later American folk melodies and rhythms into his compositions amongst the romanticism of polychords, and polyrhythms which gave his music a wide spectrum of traditional and contemporary styles.
The blend of many genres created harmony and sense of cooperation within his works which reflected in his organizing skills as a conductor and communicative skills as an educator.
His works are orchestral works are a collection of the four symphonies. The third symphony was commissioned by the Columbia Broadcasting Company, and even before it was completed, three of its movements were heard on a radio program on September 19, 1937, with Dr Hanson conducting. The holograph score of this composition, Opus 33, is 169 pages in length and is the completed form of the symphony, bearing the date March 15, 1938.
On March 26 the entire symphony was performed by the NBC orchestra, again under the direction of the composer. Although this work has no subtitle, it represents a tribute to the sturdiness of the Nordic pioneers in America, particularly in conquering the West.
Hanson was also awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his Symphony No. 4.