BLACK HISTORY MONTH, A CELEBRATION
of
5 COMPOSERS, 5 STORIES, 5 CONTRIBUTIONS TO MUSIC
February is Black History Month. Although there is a
dedicated month for celebration and appreciation, I’m sure this is not the only
month you appreciate and celebrate the contributions of people of color. The Michigan Philharmonic celebrates diversity and regularly programs music by composers of many different backgrounds.
It is hard to believe that there was a time of intense
separation. Prior to that, different races held different levels of status in society.
Black History Month is a time to recognize those throughout history who made
and continue to make an impact in our world. There are SO many to name and
thank for their contributions.
Here, we are going to focus on five African-American composers and
musicians who paved the way for not only those of their own skin color, but inspired people of all backgrounds, for generations, showcasing their
talents in less accepting times.
**Side note: the starred composers and their compositions
have appeared on aa Michigan Philharmonic program
Let’s begin:
1.)
Joseph Bologne**
Joseph Bologne (pronounced *Bol-lawn-yay),
or as we so lovingly call him, Joey Baloney, :) was dubbed “le Mozart noir,” or
the Black Mozart, having reminded people of the talent and drive of the
then-famous Mozart. He is remembered as the first black composer, having his
work performed by orchestras around the world, including us, the Michigan
Philharmonic. Mr. Bologne was born to a wealthy plantation owner and wrote many
a compositions, some of which became very popular during his life. It has been
said that Mozart envied him so much, it was theorized that the villainous black
character, Monostatos, from Mozart’s the The Magic Flute was created
after Bologne..can someone say petty??
2.)
Florence Price**
Florence Price was the first black woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra (!!). One of her pieces was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933 and was highly accepted among citizens and respected just the same. A Chicago Daily News music critic described her piece and performance:
Florence Price was the first black woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra (!!). One of her pieces was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933 and was highly accepted among citizens and respected just the same. A Chicago Daily News music critic described her piece and performance:
“a faultless
work…[that] speaks its own message with restraint and yet with passion…worthy
of a place in the regular symphonic repertoire.”
Imgine - 1933 - You go, girl!
3.)
Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin! You know Scott Joplin…maybe not by name, but you definitely know him by one or two of his songs. One of his most popular is “The Entertainer.” (click to listen). Mr. Joplin was dubbed the “King of Ragtime,” and rightfully so. He is seen as one of the most influential composers at the turn of the 20th century! * Please note, it does not say, most influential black composer – just composer. Joplin influenced composers of ALL races and backgrounds, especially after introducing his complex bass patterns and sporadic syncopation! His music, specifically “The Entertainer,”
Scott Joplin! You know Scott Joplin…maybe not by name, but you definitely know him by one or two of his songs. One of his most popular is “The Entertainer.” (click to listen). Mr. Joplin was dubbed the “King of Ragtime,” and rightfully so. He is seen as one of the most influential composers at the turn of the 20th century! * Please note, it does not say, most influential black composer – just composer. Joplin influenced composers of ALL races and backgrounds, especially after introducing his complex bass patterns and sporadic syncopation! His music, specifically “The Entertainer,”
is still extremely popular today.
4.)
William Grant Still **
William Grant Still – another familiar name, was dubbed “The Dean” of African American composers. As an African American composer, this gentleman had a lot of music firsts:
William Grant Still – another familiar name, was dubbed “The Dean” of African American composers. As an African American composer, this gentleman had a lot of music firsts:
-first black composer to conduct a
major American Symphony orchestra
-first black composer to have an
opera produced by a major opera company, the New York City Opera Company
-first black composer to have a
symphony performed by a leading orchestra (his “First Symphony”)
-first black composer to have an
opera performed on national TV.
I only listed four things, but to
be the first black composer to accomplish such feats is HUGE. This opened so
many doors for future black composers, musicians, actors, EVERYTHING. What
AWESOME accomplishments.
When he wasn’t busy, ya know,
writing successful operas and symphonies, and being on TV, he found some extra
free time to moonlight as an oboist, conductor, as well as a jazz arranger. What
a guy!
5.)
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor**
You probably recognize his name from some of our marketing for our upcoming concert. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, (not to be confused with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the Romantic poet), was dubbed the “Black Mahler” by white musicians in New York. He lived a short life (1875-1912), but fought against racial prejudice throughout that time. Coleridge-Taylor skillfully married African folk music with classical music, creating pieces and patterns never heard before!
One of his pieces Danse Nรจgre from the African Suite, Op. 35, can be heard at the upcoming MAHLER MADNESS (details below).
You probably recognize his name from some of our marketing for our upcoming concert. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, (not to be confused with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the Romantic poet), was dubbed the “Black Mahler” by white musicians in New York. He lived a short life (1875-1912), but fought against racial prejudice throughout that time. Coleridge-Taylor skillfully married African folk music with classical music, creating pieces and patterns never heard before!
One of his pieces Danse Nรจgre from the African Suite, Op. 35, can be heard at the upcoming MAHLER MADNESS (details below).
The concert will also feature music of
composer Jessica Hunt, where we explore a child’s view of heaven. Finishing up
the show will be Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 4 in G Major,” which is based on
his own song “The Heavenly Life.” (We see what did here now, Nan, tying
together composers and their pieces for a show….clever, clever!)
Only 5 black composers were mentioned here, but
there are so many fantastic black composers, musicians, conductors,
entertainers, and every other profession under the sun. We here at the Michigan
Philharmonic honor and pay tribute to these creative individuals throughout the month of February and always. Thank you to the black composers and entertainers who
opened the door to so many opportunities for generations to come.
We hope you learned something and expanded your musical horizons!
Until next time, Phil Fans!
MAHLER MADNESS
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
Facts courtesy of:
*We do not own any of the pictures, credit has been given to the respective owners
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