The month of February is Black History Month, and we've been marking that in various ways with our classical music programming. This week on Learning to Listen, we are looking at the life and music of one of the most important African-American composers of classical music, William Grant Still.
Often referred to as "the Dean of African-American Composers," William Grant Still wrote symphonies, opera, chamber music, film scores and ballet. On this week's show, we'll be listening to examples of his works.
Program Playlist
William Grant Still
'The Country Dance' from Miss Sally's Party
Orchestra of the Plymouth Music Series
Philip Brunelle, conductor
William Grant Still
Folk Suite No. 4 (1962)
Sierra Winds
William Grant Still
3rd movement from Symphony No 1: Animato
William Grant Still
Lyric Quartet
William Grant Still
from Highway One, Scene 2
St Olaf Orchestra
Philip Brunelle, conductor
Louise Toppin as Mary; Robert Honeysucker as Bob
William Grant Still
Symphony No. 2 "Song of a New Race"
William Grant Still
La Guiablesse
Berliner Symphoniker
Isaiah Jackson, conductor
Related story
• A chat with Celeste Headlee, granddaughter of William Grant Still
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