William Schuman juggled many careers in his full and productive life: teacher, administrator, conductor and composer of ten symphonies as well as a significant representation of music in many genres. His two-movement Symphony No. 3, dating from 1941, derives its organization from Baroque era models. Known as Symphony No. 5, though published without a number, the Symphony for Strings is remarkable for its contrapuntal mastery and irresistible rhythmic élan. Judith (1949) was based on the ancient Hebrew tale of the Jewish widow who saved her people by seducing and beheading the despotic general Holofernes. The syncopated score conveys the anxiety and determination of Judith’s heroism.