Saturday, February 11, 2012

Naxos: 'Celebrating the Cultural Achievements of African Americans'

[Naxos Newsletter: “The Fort Smith Symphony Performing the works of William Grant Still”] 

Naxos of America, Inc.
Newsletter
“In honor of Black History Month, we are featuring titles from African American composers and performers across the world of classical music, jazz and ballet. From Nina Simone to Alvin Ailey, these artists have created and continually molded the cultural landscape in which we live today.”

“The Fort Smith Symphony Performing the works of William Grant Still
Often referred to as the 'dean of African-American composers', William Grant Still received many honors for his pioneering music for the concert platform, film and television. This 3 disc series brings together world premiere recordings as well as some of Still's most essential works.”

The Naxos Newsletter includes a 60-second YouTube video: 
“William Grant Still - Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3 Preview” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66C43ngFh-A&feature=youtu.be

The video includes this text:
“People have been begging for recordings of the complete Still symphonies for 30 years, and the Fort Smith Symphony is highly-honored and so much appreciated for having given this great gift of music to the world. The third CD in the series is historic, captivating, and a triumph for all time. Judith Still”

[William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassic
al.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com Recordings, sheet music and books of William Grant Still are available at www.WilliamGrantStill.com, which is operated by the composer's daughter Judith Anne Still]

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