Classic Black:
Chamber Music by African American Composers
A Program to celebrate African American History Month
Classic Black is the perfect centerpiece for Black History Month, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—or anytime our black musical heritage is being celebrated. Combining fascinating historic information about the African American cultural and musical heritage with live music performance, Classic Black educates and entertains with style and substance, while introducing audiences to classical music created by Black American composers.
The hour-long program begins with an interactive talk by historian Susan Wilson, who leads the audience through centuries of better known genres of African American music—from polyrhythmic African songs, spirituals, gospel, and blues to jazz, rock’n’roll, rap, and hip hop. From this familiar foundation, the stories of three black classical composers will be introduced through story and sound. (see repertoire below)
Click below to watch a sample from Classic Black
Musicians
Rose Drucker, Megumi Stohs violin
Rebecca Strauss, viola
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Interactive lecture by Susan Wilson
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Program
Florence Beatrice Price (1888-1953)
Five Folksongs in Counterpoint
Calvary
Clementine
Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes
Shortnin’ Bread
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
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Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (1932–2004)
Quartet No. 1
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro vivace
based on “Calvary” (Negro spiritual, 1956)
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William Grant Still (1895-1978)
Danzas De Panama
Tamborito
Mejorana y Socavon
Punto
Cumbia y Congo
For more samples from our programs please to our
Copyright © 2009 Melodic Vision
All photos copyright © Susan Wilson
“Classic Black: Chamber Music by African American Composers, performed
by Melodic Vision musicians and narrated by historian Susan Wilson,
was an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about the important
contributions African Americans have made to the body of classical
music.”
“Students were intrigued by the narration which put the music in
context by explaining its roots, the biographies of the composers, and
the history of its performance. The interactive aspect of the narration
made it interesting and lively.”
“The music chosen was ideal - some drawn
from folk music tradition, some used for ballets, and ending with a rag
that leaps the boundaries between classical and contemporary. The
players were incredible - real pros worthy of any venue, whether school
theater or major concert hall.”
“Thank you for a wonderful evening of
pleasure and education!"
—Judith Klein, Director of Communications, The
Governor's Academy, Byfield, MA
