(May 2024) Episode 574 is WILLIAM GRANT STILL, sometimes known as the “Dean of African-American composers. He wrote in an array of forms, including symphonies, ballets, operas, choral works, solo works and chamber music, in the middle part of the 20th century. His jazz-influenced style is similar to his American contemporaries Gershwin and Copeland which, while not my favorite, is distinctively evocative of the period. Still put forth political and racial themes – titles like “And They Lynched Him on A Tree” and “The Colored Soldiers Who Died for Democracy” are not subtle – which give his works added interest and historical context. Still’s distinctions as an African American include the first to conduct a major U.S. orchestra, the first to have his works performed by major American orchestras and opera companies, and the first to have an opera performed on national television.
Favorite piece: Symphony No. 4 “Autochthonous”
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: Even if you’re not a fan of the sound of that period he is worth checking out.
Opus Project 