Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Jeter.

I - Moderately fast: 0:00
II - Slowly - Faster - Tempo I: 6:11
III - Moderately fast: 13:08
IV - Slowly and reverently - With increasing fervor - Tempo I - With increasing fervor - Tempo I: 16:12

Still's Symphony No.4 was composed in 1947 in Los Angeles, California. It was actually the third in order of composition, being premiered on March 18 of 1951, performed by the Oklahoma City Symphony Orchestra conducted by Victor Alessandro.It is dedicated to one of the composer’s early teachers, Maurice Kessler of Oberlin.

Still remarked: "As the subtitle indicates, the work has its roots in American own soil, but rather than being aboriginal or indigenous, it is intended to represent the spirit of the American people. The composer has described its four movements in this way: I: The spirit of optimism and energy: the American ability to ‘get things done’ II: pensive, then later in the second subject, animated in a folky way III: humorous and unmistakably typical of our country and its rhythms IV: the warmth and the spiritual side of the American people, their love of mankind. It may also be said that the music speaks of the fusion of musical cultures in North America".

The first movement is written in sonata form. It begins with a rhythmic main theme, contrasted by a lyrical second one derived from the opening bass line. The music blends elements of American different music style in search of the racial autochthonous character of the music. The harmonic language is far more dissonant than in earlier works as well. Follows a thematic transformation of these materials during the development. The harsh dissonances, along with thick orchestral textures, create palpable dramatic tension. A brief recapitulation leads us to a bright coda.

The second movement is structured in ternary form. It opens with a blues introduced by flute, followed by a lyrical main theme presented by oboe. It then unfolds in a romantic and expressive manner. The main theme of the first movement suddenly appears as the tempo increases, the music rising in a dynamic climax. The main theme is then sweetly recapitulated by flute, harp and strings. The oboe then references the middle section's theme. A peaceful coda ends the movement.

The third movement is a short scherzo in ternary form. It begins with a charming dance theme, derived from cakewalk and jazz. Clarinet and bassoon over brushes on drum and suspended cymbal set the stage for the theme in flutes and oboe under a walking bassline. The middle section features heavy brass, evoking the character of swing bands. The main theme of the first movement appears on three flutes as well. The dance theme is cheerfully recapitulated. The movement ends as the music is suddenly cut-off.

The fourth movement is very freely written, not following standard structured. It opens with a solemn main theme in form of a religious hymn. It seeks to resolve, but fails to do so and turns melancholic in expression. Suddenly, the main theme of the first movement reappears once again in a faster, more frenetic section. The main theme is then soberly recapitulated, but as the music grows more solemn and fervent, it leads us to a triumphal coda.

Picture: "Young Life" (1998) by the American painter Bo Bartlett.

Musical analysis partially written by myself. Sources: https://bit.ly/3EiJDZs and https://bit.ly/3YEJwzx

To check the score: https://bit.ly/3Iyfg3O