William Grant Still (1895-1978) from Little Rock was a pioneer in many ways. He was the first African American to successfully depart from the generally acceptable genres of jazz and pop. He lived to see a symphonic work and an opera of his performed, he conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic and directed an important Southern orchestra. The respect that he acquired is reflected in two Guggenheim fellowships and five honorary doctorates, as well as a growing number of top-quality recordings of his works. This album is dedicated to the composer's impressive art songs. Two dozen works, including simple spirituals, expansive, declamatory and captivating scenes, touching miniatures and provocative challenges paint a portrait of a self-assured man asserting his musical authority.
Works:
•William Grant Still: Rising Tide
•William Grant Still: Songs of Separation (Idolatry)
•William Grant Still: Poeme
• William Grant Still: Parted
•William Grant Still: If you should go
•William Grant Still: 5. A Black Pierrot)
•William Grant Still: Arkansas
•William Grant Still: All that I am
•William Grant Still: Here's one
•William Grant Still: Sinner, please don't let this Harvest pass
•William Grant Still: From the Hearts of Women (Little Mother; Midtide; Corquette;Bereft)
•William Grant Still: Mississipi
•William Grant Still: Citadel
•William Grant Still: Grief "Weeping Angel"
•William Grant Still: My Brother American
•William Grant Still: Up there
•William Grant Still: Bayou Home
•William Grant Still: Song for the Valiant
•William Grant Still: Song for the Lonely
•William Grant Still: The Breath of a Rose
•William Grant Still: Plain-Chant for America
Klavierwerke "A Piano Collection"
• William Grant Still: William Grant Still: Prelude
•William Grant Still: Dance of the Porteuses
•illiam Grant Still: Swanee River