Vittorio Giannini (1903-1966) was a respected composer when he was asked to compose a work for symphonic wind ensemble by Paul Bryan and the Duke University Band, through the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation. Giannini made the rare choice of composing a full-fledged symphony for band, a genre which was extremely rare then and not exactly flourishing widely since then. This work may still be counted as one of the most important symphonies in the band repertory.

It is a strongly tonal work, written along traditional symphony lines. The first movement is a sonata-allegro form, with some difficult off-rhythm figurations. Giannini was a melodic composer, and demonstrates the fact in his slow movement. The scherzo has an air of restraint, and the finale is carefree and impetuous.

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