During an interview in 1958, Walter Piston stated. “The major problem for the composer must be to preserve and develop his individuality. He must resist the constant temptation to follow this or that fashion. He must find what it is he wishes to say in music and how best to say it, subjecting his work to the severest self-criticism... Strength of will and faith in one's creative gift are essential... The composer must judge for himself in these matters, with self-reliance based on a thorough knowledge of his craft and a capacity for independent thinking as an individual creative artist.”

Piston's individuality and Americanism is very evident in his Concerto No.1 for Violin and Orchestra of 1939. The work was dedicated to Ruth Posselt, who also premiered the work on 18 March 1940 with Leon Barzin conducting the National Orchestral Association in Carnegie Hall, New York. Piston's own notes on the work were printed in the program booklet and in later notes when the work was f