Classic Black:
Chamber Music by African American Composers
 
A Program to celebrate African American History Month
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Musicians
            Rose Drucker, Megumi Stohs violin
        Rebecca Strauss, viola
        Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
 
          Interactive lecture by Susan Wilson
 
 
        *******
 
      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
        
        *******
 
       Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (1932–2004)
 
        Quartet No. 1
 
      Allegro
      Adagio
     Allegro vivace
      based on “Calvary” (Negro spiritual, 1956)
 
 
     ******
 
       William Grant Still (1895-1978)
 
      Danzas De Panama
 
        Tamborito
      Mejorana y Socavon
      Punto
        Cumbia y Congo
 
 
 
 
Click below to watch a sample from Classic Black
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copyright © 2008 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