Composed in 1924, this picturesque and tuneful set of 5 portraits for orchestra, describing events and people in the life of the (in-)famous showman, is Americana writing at its best. "Boyhood at Bethel", marked Allegro, depicts country fiddles in lively imitative counterpoint, punctuated by the orchestra. It is perhaps more Coplandesque than Copland in its rugged open country joyfulness. The sweet and touching second portrait, an Andante expressivo, is that of "Joice Heth - 161 Year Old Negress" who was Barnum's first "attraction", rumored to have been nurse to the baby George Washington. Through the lovely, simple string melodies - a high one and a rich, melancholy one for solo cello - the listener can easily imagine an interior picture of the elderly lady (and perhaps wonder at what her thoughts might have been at her current situation). The third portrait is that of the well-known "General and Mrs. Tom Thumb", who are depicted by a lively ragtime, with high-register military calls, and a contrasting music-box waltz. These two themes get closer in their alternation, until the tempo is changing almost every measure. A cap pistol completes the militarism-in-minature. The 4th portrait is that of "Jenny Lind", marked Andante con moto, and is also highly lyrical like the 2nd portrait - in this case, a flute with coloratura-like embellishments sails across a beautiful string section playing tunes in modal scales that suggest those of Northern Europe and the British Isles. The last portrait is the "Circus Parade" in a Tempo di marcia - previous tunes are recapitulated, and new ones are added that suggest clowns and other characters. The ending is in the grand manner with a full brass chorus, then a Hollywood-like full orchestra with sweeping strings, both ideas separated by rolling deep drums and a noisy ratchet.

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