Symphony 5 / Toccata / Out of the Cradle

The self-taught composer Paul Creston is known for his lush impressionistic style, incorporating innovative rhythmic techniques and harmonies into traditional forms. In the mid-20th century, as the pendulum in American composition swung heavily toward serialism and other modern approaches, Creston’s music fell into neglect, if not disfavor, with that of other American composers who had not embraced non-tonal techniques. In the past two decades, the world seems to have rediscovered the great legacy of American symphonists, and Creston’s star has been on the ascendant once again.