Dello Joio was one of several particularly good American composers whose names were always pretty well known but who were never listed as highly as they deserved among the most significant of U.S. composers. He was particularly valued in the 1950s for his television documentary scores, including "Air Power" and CBS's "Twentieth Century" series.

This score was commissioned by the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation at the request of Paul Bryan, conductor of the Duke University Band. It was Dello Joyo's first composition for band. He cast it in the form of a theme and five variations; this sectional form permitted him to try various effects, textures, moods, and tempi in the unfamiliar medium. The ensemble called for is a full American wind band ("military band" in British terminology). The theme used it the familiar "In dulci jubilo," which had long been a favorite of the composers.

It became a favorite piece in the American band repertory, and Dello Joio went on to compose a significant number of fine works for band.

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