John Malveaux on Santa Monica Symphony & William Grant Still's 'Afro-American Symphony'

[William Grant Still: Afro-American Symphony; Bridge 9086]

Thoughts from John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD:

“On the evening of March 13, 2010, I attended a concert of music by American composers. The first half included an excellent presentation of William Grant Still’s Symphony No.1 'Afro American.' I responded with a standing ovation for the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Allen Robert Gross. The evening concluded with Copland’s 'Lincoln Portrait' with Tavis Smiley, narrator. A recording was made for future broadcast on Public Radio International.

“While listening to the Afro American Symphony, I reflected on the outstanding work of Judith Still promoting the legacy of her father. Although William Grant Still is still marginalized, he is performed far more than other worthy African American composers. Of course, other worthy is a value judgment. I thought of William Levi Dawson’s 'Negro Folk Symphony.” The first movement, 'The Bond of Africa,' opens with a haunting theme played by solo French horn that may symbolize a call to the ancestors or a break in the human chain due to the slave trade. I revisited several very different conversations with Dawson (1886-1990). During one conversation, after making many comments about the lack of African American composer performances in American concert halls, their neglect in college curriculum, and lack of media exposure, I asked Dawson if he would consider me interviewing him for a pilot radio program. I was shocked when he told me one of our big problems is 'we talk too much.' Dawson certainly did not believe in self promotion.” “ In my opinion, Dawson’s 'Negro Folk Symphony' should be heard at least annually in some major concert hall.

“One final thought related to Dawson. Robert Watt, the first African-American to play the French horn in a major orchestra in the United States - and the first person of color to play with the Los Angeles Philharmonic - retired after performing for 37 years in approximately December 2007. In February 2008, I noticed Bob at a City of Los Angeles African American Heritage Month Celebration and enthusiastically rushed to him and stated that I really regret the Los Angeles Philharmonic never performed Dawson’s 'Negro Folk Symphony.' I would have cherished an opportunity to hear him play the French horn solo in the first movement. Additionally, the performance could have been an important showcase for a distinguished member of the orchestra and important bridge to the African American community. I was instantly subdued when he told me he had never heard the piece. John Malveaux http://www.musicuntold.com” [William Grant Still (1895-1978) and William Levi Dawson (1899-1990) are profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features comprehensive Works Lists compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory, Appleton, Wisconsin]

Santa Monica Symphony
William Grant Still
Afro-American Symphony
William Levi Dawson
Negro Folk Symphony
Judith Anne Still