How did composers in the early twentieth century combine traditional approaches to musical structure? In Symphonic Spectacles author Sam Reenan presents a set of case studies, using works by Strauss, Beach, Ellington, and Mahler among others to show readers how analyses of these works can tease apart the compositional design and reception histories of each piece. The book makes these comprehensive analyses even more relevant by including discussion of how the musical works reflect aspects of their composers' identities within their historical contexts.