Expert: David Froom - 2/22/2008

Question
Would it still be considered a symphony is it were written for a Concert Band (as in a wind orchestra)?
Thanks

Answer
Hi,

There are no naming police.  Composers are free to call anything by whatever name they choose.  It is certainly possible to name a piece "Symphony for Concert Band,"  or "Symphony for Wind Ensemble."  One could also just name something "Symphony #(whatever)" and just have it be just for winds, brass, and percussion.  Check out, if you like, Stravinsky's "Symphonies of Wind Instruments" (a fabulous piece).

David Froom