[1] It bears some resemblance to Piston's Three New England Sketches, composed in 1959, and for this reason as well as for parallels of structure has been compared to Beethoven's Pastorale Symphony.
[3] The first movement begins with a large, soaring theme, featuring a propulsive rhythm in fast triple meter.
The minor mode, forceful rhythms, and cumulative contrapuntal density in both the exposition and recapitulation lend this movement a vehemently passionate character.
The second movement, Adagio pastorale, similarly is dominated by serious but not solemn broad melodies.
The finale, as in Piston's other symphonies, is sunny and brilliant, including a passage of syncopated wind melodies accompanied by pianissimo percussion, and pizzicato strings, which recalls the scherzo of Piston's Sixth Symphony.