William Grant Still -- Afro-American Symphony

William Grant Still (1895-1978) composed the 'Afro-American Symphony' in 1930. The stirring and inspiring finale is presented here, from the first performance issued on long-play records, Karl Krueger conducting the Vienna Opera Orchestra.
Still himself contributed the liner notes--
"Twenty-two years ago when I wrote the 'Afro-American Symphony', I did so in the hope that I would achieve one principal objective: to present in symphonic form a typically American idiom. To that end, I devised an original theme in the manner of the Blues and around it constructed the Symphony. Because this principal theme appears so prominently in each of the four movements in various forms, it may well be considered the basic, unifying factor in the work as a whole.
"After the Symphony was composed as an abstract work, it seemed advisable to invent a 'program' for it, so that audiences might be able to understand the music better. I therefore prefaced each movement with excerpts from the poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar, explaining that the Symphony was intended to portray colored Americans of the period following the Civil War, the 'sons of the soil'. To the first movement I gave the title 'Longing', to the second 'Sorrow', to the third 'Humor' (of the folk rather than of the dance-hall), and to the fourth 'Aspiration'.
"The Afro-Americans who are depicted in the music have given way to a new generation, but their idioms and their ideals have become a part of America. In this they take their greatest pride: the knowledge that they have made a contribution and that it is acknowledged by their countrymen."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• William
• Grant
• Still
• Afro-American
• Symphony
• Black
• Composers
• symphonic
• music

[fred5399]

@patluq Black people do everything , niggas do nothing.

[Divinemetal]

This is exceptional. It is a shame that, in order to be successful, it is no longer necessary that artists portray themselves so eloquently and intelligently both in words, such as the accompanying liner notes, and in music.

[casperado666]

this is really great

[bmalone336]

thankfully, combined choirs and Mississippi Symphony Orchestra performed a large concert of William Grant Still. it was a wonderful, eye opening experience. and what better place than in the heart of the south to bring his music to the forefront? mississippi does a few things right... very few, but nonetheless.

[CapoeiraPiper]

exceptional work!

The thing I really love about music, is that it is colorless, just pure Soul!!!!!

Hurray for musical and racial progress!!!!!!

[Nocturnal1707]

this is the shit!!

[solomonseyes]

Thank you William Grant Still. There are many of us able to appreciate music regardless of what skin tone produced the beautiful music. May God rest your spirit and may Satan reap those who seek his company.

[Ear4Beauty]

Check out William Levy Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony.

[ZOOTSUITBEATNICK1]

Never heard this before.

Outstanding!

[adiva04]

This is amazing and its composed by a black man! Pure Genius!

[windstorm1000]

Here we are M.L. King Day. I hope my black friends won't mind my using the analogy that there STILL is no emancipation in the classical music halls of this country. What gives? Why aren't we hearing more of Still & other great composers of color in the concert halls. What are white audiences fearing? In fairness Mr. Still has seen a bit of resurection by enterprising EURPEAN conductors who've got more hutzpah than their American counterparts--Mr. Jaarvi for one.  More W. G. Still please!!