Credits:

Dawson, William (1899-1990)

Description:

The Negro Folk Symphony is the masterpiece of African-American composer William Dawson. In 1934, the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Leopold Stokowski, premiered this work, which incorporates many elements of Negro spirituals into its classical form, and it became explosively popular. This popularity was short-lived, however, and people soon lost interest in the work. Dawson, however, remained attached to the work, and in 1952, he re-recorded it with the African rhythms he had experienced on a trip to West Africa, and in 1963, Stokowski re-recorded it with the Symphony of the Air (formerly the NBC Symphony Orchestra). The recording was made in 1963. The melancholic melody is reminiscent of Dvořák's "From the New World" and the orchestration is very profound and attractive, and it is no wonder that Stokowski loved this work. Ulysses Kaye, another African-American composer whose "Fantasy Variations" was commissioned by conductor Arthur Bennett Lipkin, is also included on the program. The actual theme is never performed until the end.You can also enjoy "Scenes from Umbria," where the music is not Italianate by any means, but German in style. Naxos Japan