Wednesday, September 10, 2014

"Summerland" - William Grant Still [Unofficial Music Video] [4:10] by Jonathan Levin, Pianist

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.


Jonathan Levin

Summerland Video of Jonathan Levin

Jonathan Levin writes:

Dear William,

My name is Jonathan Levin and I am a concert pianist based in New York City. In the past few years I've started presenting programs of American music and have come across your blog and website many times in researching some of my favorite American composers like William Grant Still and George Walker, the latter of which I have since been in contact.  I admire all the work you do and greatly appreciate the information and resources I've gleaned from your site.  

I've been working towards making a professional recording of American piano music including the work of the aforementioned composers and as a start I made a short video (this one completely self produced) of William Grant Still's "Summerland" from the Three Visions which includes scenes from my travels in the area of rural Mississippi where he was born including a plantation where his family had worked.  

Judith Anne Still graciously gave me permission to post the video to Youtube and also suggested that I send it to you.  I don't know if it really fits the kind of content you feature on your blog but she thought you might be interested to see it anyway.  Here is the link in case you would like to see it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPfK8KSZO8I&list=UUUE1ToFmWNmzxuhylGshc_Q.

Thanks for your interest.  

Sincerely,

Jonathan Levin

-- 

Jonathan Levin, Artistic Director
Clayton Piano Festival
+1 (919) 606-9703
www.jonathanlevinpianist.com

Comments by email:

1) Hello Bill,  Beautifully played - and some typical MS scenes, as well (my brother lives in the Delta).  If this is "unofficial," I hope I am able to hear the "official" version!  Lyn Brown

2) Thank you Lyn for your kind words!  The music is very special to me as is the place.  I'm glad you enjoyed it! Jonathan [Jonathan Levin]

3) Jonathan, Thank you for taking the time to write regarding my comments related to your video of William Grant Still's Summerland.  I truly enjoyed your musical interpretation of the piece, especially as your performance was accompanied by such beautifully done photography. Best wishes for continued success! Lyn [Lyn Brown]

4)  It's great to know people out there are listening, thanks!  Jonathan [Jonathan Levin]

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