Eric Schissel replies to me:

>Well- as to Sowerby's 2nd symphony having the first passacaglia by an
>American composer- how does it compare in date with Barber's first
>symphony? (Or Harris' 7th...

Sowerby 2: 1927-28
Barber 1: 1936
Harris 7: 1952

I think I made my original claim based on liner notes, or an artice on
Sowerby.  I found this fascinating since this form was exceedingly popular
for a while, and most other forms I can think of have been revived or
reworked in some way by the neo-classicists.

According to my (shallow) research my claim stands.  Anyone have American
passacaglia examples pre-dating Sowerby 2?

Better refuted than wrong,

Bob K.