Allegro Brillante is the first movement of Dragonland for band. The first performance (under the original title, A Short Symphony) was given by the L.E. Dieruff High School Concert Band, conducted by Raymond S. Becker, Jr., on April 21, 1978. The work was subsequently revised, and first performed in its new version by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Symphony Band, conducted by Donald S. George, on November 23rd, 1980. Allegro Brillante is the first movement of four.

The music is almost profligate in its tunefulness, quick to change tack and tempo, and will benefit from an interpretation of headstrong abandon.

Bob Margolis / September 8, 1986