Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Third Movement of William Grant Still's 'Afro-American Symphony' on Cedille Records is a free download this week; the CD is 25% off regular price


[William Grant Still (Photo is the sole property of William Grant Still Music, and is used with permission)]

The Chicago Sinfonietta and its Conductor Paul Freeman recorded William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1, "Afro-American," on Cedille Records, the label of The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation.  The CD catalog number is 
CDR 90000 055.  The Third Movement of the Symphony No. 1 is offered as a free download this week, and this "CD of the Week" is available for purchase from Cedille Records at 25% off the regular price this week:


The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation
from African Heritage Symphonic Series Volume I
CDR 90000 055
Chicago Sinfonietta / Paul Freeman, conductor
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In honor of Martin Luther King Day this week (January 21), our Free Download of the week comes from the most famous work by America’s most celebrated African-American classical composer, William Grant Still. (Despite the accolades, Still’s music seems under-performed: the rare times I hear his music in concert, it is usually a new discovery and of such high quality that I wonder why I never heard the piece before.) The work is his “Afro-American” Symphony, and the track I’ve chosen is the third movement: A highly entertaining scherzo with both Black and Native American influences, it is also one of the few symphonic movements I know that features a prominent part for banjo. The performance is by the Chicago Sinfonietta, led by its pioneering founding music director, Paul Freeman.

Happy Listening and Happy Martin Luther King Day,
*
James Ginsburg
President

This week's CD OF THE WEEK:
(25% OFF the regular price)
African Heritage Symphonic Series Volume I
Chicago Sinfonietta / Paul Freeman, conductor
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...Please remember that the download code is FREEDWNLD
(It's the same every week!)

[William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.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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