The inspiration was the famous painting by Eugène Delacroix `Liberty Leading the People`.
The symphony`s music combines elements of American folklore, jazz syncopations, and the influence of great contemporaries - Prokofiev (especially his 5th Symphony), Shostakovich, and Stravinsky.
In Antheil`s own words, he sought to embody in music the emotions evoked by `the smoke of battle, courage and despair marching into the future.`
1. Allegro molto marcato (includes quotes from the Civil War song `The Battle Cry of Freedom`)
2. Larghetto
3. Allegro
