The Latin-American Symphonette (1933) is one of a large number of Gould's works that illustrate how effective and convincing well-crafted examples of "light" concert music can be. The four-movement Symphonette, based on several Latin-American and Caribbean dance rhythms and popular forms, approximates the scope of a Classical-era symphony and, indeed, exhibits a like clarity of form and melody. Not surprisingly, Gould makes colorful use of a variety of Latin percussion instruments. Throughout, the Symphonette is characterized by memorable and finely crafted tunes and lively rhythms; the slow movement provides a change of mood with a gentle nocturnal song, while the work draws to a close with a pulse-pounding finale.

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