Pageant

Pageant, commissioned by the American Bandmasters Association and completed in January, 1953, was Vincent Persichetti's third work for band. It opens in slow tempo with a motive in the horn that is used throughout both sections of the piece. The slow chordal section is succeeded by a lively "parade" section introduced by the snare drum. In the final portion of the work, the two principal subjects are developed simultaneously, leading to a lively climax. The first performance of this work took place on March 7, 1953, at the ABA Convention in Miami. It was performed by the University of Miami Band, with the composer conducting. Pageant was followed by numerous other original works that championed the standard literature for contemporary concert band. (Source: Vincent Persichetti and JRO)