Haitian composer and pianist Ludovic Lamothe was known by the problematic nickname ‘The Black Chopin’ during his life. Now Lamothe is receiving the recognition he deserves. As one of Haiti’s best-known composers for the piano, he drew musical inspiration from the urban and folkloric styles of the region. His compositions are heavily influenced by Haitian Vodou, the Haitian méringue and by the music of Frédéric Chopin.
Musical selections from Ludovic Lamothe
Feuillet D'Album No. 1
Pianist Célimène Daudet works to introduce new audiences to composers who have been lost to time or unjust circumstances. In her 2001 album, Haïti mon amour, she performed his work Feuillet D'Album No. 1.
Four Danzas
This work includes Danza No. 1 ('La Habanera"), Danza No. 2, Danza No. 3 and Danza No. 4. It is one of his most performed pieces.
Lisette
The Lisette Project traces the sung history of the oldest known Haitian Creole text, “Lisette quitté la plaine.” In its research, they found this work for piano and voice.
Credits
Host: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu
Producer: Dan Nass
Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship
Additional music selections: Jeffrey Yelverton
Executive Producer: Julie Amacher
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About Rhapsody in Black
Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.
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