John Corigliano: Circus Maximus (Naxos Audio CD)

Symphony No. 3 ‘Circus Maximus’
Gazebo Dances

The University of Texas Wind Ensemble
Jerry Junkin

In his astonishing Symphony No. 3, subtitled ‘Circus Maximus’, the celebrated American composer John Corigliano both embodies and comments on the “massive and glamorous barbarity” of our present time, which he sees paralleling the decadence of Ancient Rome.

Scored for a large concert band encircling the audience, it is a musical kaleidoscope of contemporary culture.

In contrast, Gazebo Dances was inspired by “the pavilions often seen on village greens in towns throughout the countryside, where public band concerts are given on summer evenings”.


“Corigliano could have made a comfortable living churning out film scores: his versatility, orchestral wizardry and fluency are undeniable.” BBC Music Magazine