Symphonies Nos. 3 and 12 are two magnificent works by the prolific composer, Roger Lasher Nortman depicting contrasting motions in Nortman’s Symphonic output. Written 10 years apart, the Third nervously evolves from a slow introduction with sting tremolos in both the first and third movements, the first into recognizable melodies developed with dramatic excitement, the third into resolving affirmation. The in-between second movement is lively and tosses rhythms among the various instruments. The thrust of the work is the gradual transforming of gloomy and stormy inner feelings into a the grandeur of affirmation in the Finale. By contrast, the Twelfth, which barely runs twelve minutes, is tightly knit, efficient in its treatment of material and proceeds headlong through its 2 compressed movements without slow reflection. These two symphonies form an excellent pairing of the versatility of Nortman’s compositional style.