Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Dominique-René de Lerma: A Decade Without Bill

 Brown, William Albert, 1938-2004

A DECADE WITHOUT BILL

Dominique-René de Lerma

The material presented below is work in progress.
  
Tenor William Albert Brown was born in Jackson MS, 29 May 1938, to Albert Brown and Ida Mae Perry Brown.  He first appeared in public in 1943 as "Preacher," reciting Biblical verses.  He was attracted to music after hearing radio broadcasts and, by doing odd jobs, now entering his teenage years, saved enough money to buy a trumpet.  With a year he was playing in the school band.  His grandfather objected to his playing "the devil's music," but he was encouraged  to continue by his grandmother and began studying both trumpet and piano in 1952.  After graduating from Jim Hill High School, he entered Jackson State University on a scholarship in 1955 with the intention of becoming a jazz musician.  Only half seriously in 1957, he sang Irving Berlin's "God bless America," winning attention of the faculty and was encouraged then to major in voice, a decision that surprised his fellow bandsmen.  It was about this year he performed music from Leoncavallo's Cavalleria rusticana. He secured his B.M.E. in 1959 and was engaged to teach voice and conduct the chorus at Mississippi's Utica Junior College.  He secured a fellowship for graduate studies at Indiana University in 1960, earning his M.M. degree in 1962.  During this time in Bloomington, he spent a night in jail for participation in a civil rights demonstration.  Between 1962 and 1966 he belonged to the Sea Chanters Choir of the U.S. Navy, which gave performances for presidents Kennedy and Johnson.  During this time he was married to Marian Tally, a music educator.  He made his opera debut  in 1967 as Spalanzani in Les contes d'Hoffmann with the Baltimore Opera Company and spent the following summer at the Berkshire Music Center.  From 1970-1972 he was on the faculty of  Florida Presbyterian College, finding time meanwhile to attend the Peabody Conservatory for additional graduate study, but not completing work on his doctorate.  In 1972, Gerson Yessin recruited him to join the newly founded University of North Florida in Jacksonville,  after hearing him perform on a six-day tour of Florida with the Florida Community College.  He retained that position until his death 32 years later.  As late as 1997, Brown kept himself in good physical shape by jogging three miles and doing 100 sit ups each day, but died 20 October 2004 of a heart attack.  He had delayed a checkup, planning to fulfill concert engagements first.   A memorial service was held at Jackson State University, where the William A. Brown Endowment Fund was established.  A memorial scholarship was also initiated for students at the University of North Florida.
Active with Videmus Inc., he was also a board member of FreshMinistries.
In 1981 Brown was given an award by the state of North Carolina.  He was cited as one of the new voices of the eighties by Ebony, featured on the 2002 cover of Classical singer, and presented with a doctorate in honoris causa by Bridgewater College.  Inducted into the Mississippi Hall of Fame, he was  also honored by the state with a William Brown Day.
He lived in the Brentwood area of northern Jacksonville and is survived by his fiancée Brenda Kelly, his daughter, granddaughter, mother, and stepfather.
The Center for Black Music Research holds the William Brown Papers, received from Brenda Kelly in 2007 and Ann Sears in 2008.  Herein is found  correspondence from Leslie Adams, Dwight Andrews, T. J. Anderson, David Baker, William C. Banfield, Peter Bay, William Bolcom, Archie L. Buffkins, Wallace Cheatham, Doug M. Connell, George Crumb, Don Davis, William S. Fischer, Adolphus Hailstork, Ronald Hayes, Isaiah Jackson, Stephen Jaffe, Leroy Jenkins, Harold Jones, John La Montaine, Wendell Logan, Janice Misurell-Mitchell, Robert L. Morris, James Newton, J. D. Patterson, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Vincent Plush, Michael Raphael, Stewart Ran, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Julius Rudel, George Shirley, Alvin Singleton, Horace Smith, Wadada Leo Smith, Judith Anne Still, David Stock, Jack Tamul, and George Walker.  There are photographs of T. J. Anderson, David Baker, the Black Music Repertory Ensemble, McHenry Boatwright, Nathan Carter, Sergiu Comissiona, Mattiwilda Dobbs, Leon Fleisher, William Foster, Gary Graffman, Talib Rasul Hakim, Peter Harrower, the Jackson State College Choir, Barbara Jordan, Joseph Joubert, Lili Kraus, Loren Maazel, Ann Sears, Donald Spieth, William Grant Still, Felicia Weathers, Olly Wilson, and Gerson Yessin.
Bill was a spinto tenor, daringly carrying his range beyond expectations as required by works specifically written for him, particularly by Olly Wilson.  On a personal note, I met with Bill in his motel room in the early 1970s, when we had a joint engagement at Kent State University, urging that he not neglect the bel canto repertoire (perhaps the only recorded instance is found at the end of the Igemisco in my edition of the Nunes-Garcia Requiem).  He spoke with the jive of a jazzer when appropriate, but this was absent at more serious moments.  While he yearned to join the Metropolitan Opera and to have one of his many recordings selected for a Grammy, he was resolutely loyal to the music of Black composers and to civil rights issues.  Nothing ever stood in his way for an extended period in his search for performing or teaching repertoire.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
“About Videmus”  http://www.videmus.org/about.html.  3p.  Accessioned  2002/IX/21.
“City’s five most influential African Americans selected” in Free press [Jacksonville], v14n1 (1999/XII/30).
“Classic African-American songs in energetic performances”  http://www.albanyrecords.com/Merchant2’marchantmv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code-AR..  2p. 
 “Dr. William Brown performs in Moscow, Russian festival” in Florida star [Jacksonville] v49n44 (2000/III/4-10) p1.
“H. Leslie Adams, composer home page”  http://www.under.org/cpcc/ladams_right.htm.  11p.  Accessioned 2006/IV/22.
“Soprano Louise Toppin pays tribute to William Brown in spirited recital at Weill Hall in New York” in Reverberations, v3n3 (2006/IV/19) p3.
“World premiere recordings of this opera, which has been unjustly neglected”  http://www.albanyrecords.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code-AR… 1p.  Accessioned  2006/II/28.
Bogle 1992, p63
BPIM v18, p242, 248
Bridgewater today.  "Performing arts Series concert in honor of the Hall of Black Achievement" (1955.I).
Carter, John.  "Festival honors Jacksonville figure" in Times-union [?, Jacksonville] (2003/VI/7)
CBMR digest.  “Spotlight on Videmus”  http://www.cbmr.org/pubs/141/spotlight141.htm.  (2001/spring)  2p.  Accessioned  2006/VIII/10.
Davis, Peter G. "Opera Ebony in debut work" in New York times (1977/XII/5).
Gelles, George in Ovation (1988/VII)
Gray, John.  Blacks in classical music.  Westport: Greenwood Press, 1988.
Hairston, Jacqueline B.  "Bay area artists mourn loss of William Brown, tenor" in Oakland post (2004/X/27).
Henahan, Donal. "Opera: Four saints by Thomson in concert" in New York times (1981/XI/15).
Herlinger, Ilona.  Pi Kappa I journal (1987/Fall)
Hughes, Allen. "Monteverdi's L'incoronazione presented in a concert version" in  New York times (1971/II/4).
Libbey, Theodore W., Jr.  "William Brown, tenor, with esoteric program" in New York times (1982/V/15).
Outstanding educators of America  1973
Page, Tim. "Opera: World premiere of Frederick Douglass" in New York times (1985/VI/30).
Passailaigue, Angel.  “Leaders of the arts” in Jacksonville magazine, v16n3 (2000/IX) p30 31.
Personalities of the South.  1975-1976
Phelps, Bob.  "Century of African-American songs; Tenor's CD reflects present, past passions" in Times-Union [Jacksonville] (1999/VII/4).
Quinn, Emily. "Tenor William Brown is dead at 66" in Playbill (2004/X/22).
Raptosh, Diane.  "The Black Music Repertory Ensemble" in Black perspective in music, v16n1 (1988/Spring) [121-127.
Redlands Bowl 2001 Season.  “A Gershwin party”  http://www.redlandsweb.com/calendar/Bowl2001/aug17.htm.  (2001)  2p.  Consullted 2008/II/12.
Rich, Maria.  Who's who in opera.
Shuler, Deardra.  “Magnificent seven score at Carnegie Hall” in Black world tday (12006/IV/6.  eprinted at http://www.juliuspwilliams.com/Magnificent%20Seven%20Sciore%20Zt%20Carnegie%20Hall.htm.  (2006).  2p.  Accessioned  2008/II/12.
Smith, Eric Ledell.  Blacks in opera; an encyclopedia of people and companies, 1873-1993.  Jefferson NC: McFarland & Co., 1995.
Smith, Eric Ledell.  Blacks in opera; an encyclopedia of people and companies, 1873-1993.  Jefferson NC: McFarland & Co., 1995.
Sonneck Society bulletin v16n3
Southern, Eileen.  Biographical dictionary of Afro-American and African musicians.   Westport: Greenwood Press, 1982 (The Greenwood encyclopedia of Black music).
Still, Judith Anne, ed.  Just tell the story; Troubled island, ed. by Judith Anne Still and Lisa M. Headlee.  Flagstaff: The Master-Player Library, 2006.
The African American Art Song Alliance.  “Performers” http://www.darryltaylor.com/alliance/performers.html.  2p.  Accessioned  2006/III/6.
University of Pennsylvania..  ”Series V, programs and publicity” http://www.library.upenn.edu/collections/rbm/mss/anderson/anderson_m11.html  37p.  Accessioned  2006/VI/19.
Videmus.  “Wisdom from afar; William Brown”  http://www.videmus.org/scholarFunds.html.  (2006).  1p. of 2.  Accessioned  2006/V/21.
Warlick, Coultier.  "My hero, William Brown" (1933/V).
Webster, Daniel.  "Music: Tenor William Brown sings in King recital" in Inquirer (1986/I/20).
Who’s who among Black Americans, ed. by William C. Matney.  2nd ed.  Northbrook IL: Who’s Who Among Black Americans, 1978.
Williams, Carol M. in Folio weekly (1989/III/21).
World Concert Artist Directory.  “H. Leslie Adams”  http://www.concertartist.info/bio/ADA001.html.  6p.  Accessioned  2006/IV/22.

REPERTOIRE
Adams, Alton Augustus.  Spirit of the U. S. Navy.
1991/II/6; Chicago; Orchestra Hall.
Adams, H. Leslie.  Hymn to freedom
Chicago, Getz Theater, 1989/X/12.
William Brown, tenor, Black Music Repertory Ensemble Michael Morgan, conductor  [The Black Music Repertory Ensemble operated within the activities of the Center for Black Music Research from 1987, when it was founded by Samuel A. Floyd, Jr. until 1996.   During this period, with only a few changes, it consisted of Kenneth G. Adams, woodwinds; Donnie Ray Albert, bass-baritone; Sanford Allen, violin; George Blanchet, percussion; Nathaniel O. Brickens, trombone; Lyman A. Brodie, trumpet; William Albert Brown, tenor; Winterton Garvey, violin; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Bonita Suzanne Hyman, mezzo-soprano; Jack Jeffers, tuba; Jennifer Lloyd, flute; Elaine B. Mack, cello; Toni-Marie Montgomery, piano; Michael Morgan, conductor; Sylvia Morris, violin; Bernadine Oliphint, mezzo-soprano; Walter Payton, double bass; Kay George Roberts, conductor; Kirk Edward Smith, conductor; George Taylor, viola; Wellington, George, double bass; Hale Smith, arranger; T. J. Anderson, Dominique-René de Lerma, artistic consultants; Samuel A. Floyd, artistic director].
Saint Louis, Sheldon Memorial Concert Hall,  1989/X/13.
William Brown, tenor, Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Michael Morgan, conductor.
Adams, H. Leslie.  Lead kindly, Lord.
Ames, Roger.  Amistad.
William Brown (Cinque).
Amram, David.  Twelfth night.
William Brown (Feste);. Lake George Opera, première.
Anderson, T. J.  Beyond silence.
Anderson, T. J.  Soldier boy, soldier.
Bloomington, Indiana University.
William Brown (Clarence Cratwell). 
Anderson, T. J.  Songs of illumination.
CD: Centaur Records 2375 (1998, Songs of illumination; Art songs by contemporary African American composers).
William Brown, tenor; Louise Toppin, soprano; Howard Watkins, piano. 
Anderson, T. J.  Spirituals.
Austin, Larry.  Maroon bells.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Cantata no. 21, Ich hatte viel Bekumernis.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Cantata no. 55, Ich armer Mensch.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.   Cantata no. 78, Jesu, der du meine Seele.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.   Cantata no. 91, Gelobet seis du, Jesu Christ.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Cantata no. 160, Ich weiß, daß mein Erlöser.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Cantata no. 189, Meine Seele ruhmt und preist.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Cantata no. 207A, Ach, schmetterner Töne.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Johannespassion.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Johannespassion.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Magnificat.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Mass, B minor.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Matthäuspassion.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Österoratorium.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Österoratorium.
Bach, Johann Sebastian.  Weihnachtsoratorium.
Baker, David.  Life's cycle.
Baker, David.  Through this vale of tears
Chicago, Getz Theater, 1989/II/7, 8.
William Brown, tenor.
Chicago,  Getz Theater,1988/III/25, 28.
William Brown, tenor; Black Music Repertory Ensemble T. J. Anderson, conductor.
Chicago,  Getz Theater, 1989/X/12, 13.
William Brown, tenor; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Michael Morgan, conductor.
Chicago, University of Illinois,1989/II/9
William Brown, tenor.
New York, Alice Tully Hall, 1990/IX/10.
William Brown, tenor; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Kay George Roberts, conductor.
Rochester, Eastman School of Music, 1988/III/27.
William Brown; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; T. J. Anderson, conductor.
Barber, Samuel.  Prayers of Kierkegaard.
Baska, Robert.  Aria da capo.
William Brown (Pierrot).
Beethoven, Ludwig van.  Choral fantasy.
Beethoven, Ludwig van.  Christus am Ölberg.
Beethoven, Ludwig van.  Fidelio, op. 72
LP:  Telarc TSP 4008 (1977).
William Brown (Jacquino); Cleveland Orchestra
Beethoven, Ludwig van.  Mass, C major.
Beethoven, Ludwig van.  Missa solemnis.
Beethoven, Ludwig van.  Symphony, no. 9.
Bellini, VincenzoNorma.
William Brown (Pollione).
Berlinksi, Herman.  Job.
Berlioz, Hector.  Chant des chemins de fer.
Berlioz, Hector.  La damnation de FaustMerci, doux crépuscle.
Berlioz, Hector.  La damnation de FaustNature immense.
Berlioz, Hector.  L'enfance du Christ.
Berlioz, Hector.  Les nuits d'été.
Berlioz, Hector.  Requiem.
Berlioz, Hector.  Roméo et Juliette.
Berlioz, Hector.  Te Deum.
Bethune, Thomas Greene.  That welcome day. 
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Bizet, Georges.  CarmenLa fleur que tu m'avais jetée.
Bizet, Georges.  CarmenLa fleur que tu m'avais jetée.
Bizet, Georges.  Les pêcheur de perles.  Je crois entendre encore.
Bizet, Georges.  Te Deum.
Blake, Eubie.  Shuffle along.  Excerpts; arr. by Hale Smith. 
Chicago, Getz Theater, 1989/II/6, 7, 8.
William Brown, tenor;  Black Music Repertory Ensemble; T. J. Anderson, conductor.
Chicago, University of Illinois, 1989/II/9. 
William Brown, tenor; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Michael Morgan, conductor.
New York, Alice Tully Hall 1990/IX/10.
William Brown, tenor; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Kay George Roberts, conductor (;).
Saint Louis, Sheldon Memorial Concert Hall, 1989/X/12, 13.
William Brown, tenor; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Michael Morgan, conductor.
LP: 1989/X/13.
William Brown, tenor; Bernadine Oliphint, soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, baritone; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Michael Morgan, conductor
Boismortier, Joseph.  Diana et Actéon.
Boito, Arrigo.  MefistofoleDai campi, dai prati.
Boito, Arrigo.  MefistofoleGiunto sul passo estremo.
Bolcom, William.  Songs of innocence and experience
Brooklyn, 198?. 
William Brown, tenor; Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra; Lukas Foss, conductor.
Bonds, Margaret.  Three dream portraits.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Boone, John William.  Whar  shall we go when de great day comes?
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Brahms, Johannes.  Liebesliederwaltzer, op. 52.
Brahms, Johannes.  Liebesliederwaltzer, op. 65.
Britten, Benjamin.  Albert Herring.
William Brown (Albert Herring).
Britten, Benjamin.  Cantata misericordium.
Britten, Benjamin.  Canticle I, op. 40.
Britten, Benjamin.  Canticle II, op. 51.
Britten, Benjamin.  Canticle III, op. 55.
Britten, Benjamin.  Les illuminations, op. 18.
Britten, Benjamin.  Midsummer's night dream.
William Brown (Lysander).
Britten, Benjamin.  Rejoice in the lamb.
Britten, Benjamin.  Serenade for tenor, horn, and strings, op. 31.
Britten, Benjamin.  Song from the Chinese.
Britten, Benjamin.  Spring symphony.
Britten, Benjamin.  St. Nicholas.
Britten, Benjamin.  War requiem.
Bruckner, Anton.  Mass, no. 3, F major.
Bruckner, Anton.  Te Deum.
Burleigh, Harry T.  By the pool of the Third Rosses.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Burleigh, Harry T.  Sleep, l’il chile, go sleep.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Busoni, FerruccioTurandot.
New York, Avery Fisher Hall, New York debut, 1967.
William Brown  (Kalaf, replacing ill Plácido Domingo), Little Orchestra Society,
Campra, André.  Requiem.
Cilea, Francesco.  L'arlesianna.  E la solita storia.
Coleridge-Taylor, Samuel.  Hiawatha's wedding feast.  Onaway, awake, beloved
LP: Columbia M 32782, (1974).
William Brown, tenor; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Cook, Will Marion.  An exhortation.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (2006, Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano.
Cook, Will Marion.  As the sunflower turns to the sun.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Bon bon buddy.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Darktown barbeque.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Down in  lover’s lane.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Dreamin’ town.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  In Dahomey.  On Emancipation Day.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  In Dahomey.  On Emancipation Day, arr. by Hale Smith
Chicago, Getz Theater, 1989/II/6, 7, 8, 9. 
William Brown, tenor; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, bass-baritone; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; T. J. Anderson, conductor.
New York, Alice Tully Hall, 1990/IX/10.
William Brown, tenor; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, bass-baritone; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Kay George Roberts, conductor.
Saint Louis, Sheldon Memorial Concert Hall, 1989/X/12.
William Brown, tenor; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, bass-baritone; Music Repertory Ensemble; Michael Morgan, conductor. (;
Cook, Will Marion.  Jump back.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Little bit of heaven.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Little Gypsy maid.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Love is the tend’rest of themes.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Mammy.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  My lady.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Pensacola mooch.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Rain song.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Red, red rose.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Returned.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Slumber song.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Springtime.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Swing along.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  There’s a place in the old vacant chair.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Troubled in mind.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Who dat say chicken in dis crowd.
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cook, Will Marion.  Wid de moon, moon, moon.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
CD: Albany TROY 839-840 (Swing along).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Cortney, C. C.  The revival, by C. C. Courtney and P. Link; arr. by Morton Gould. 
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Denza, Luigi.  Funiculi, funicula.
Dett, R. Nathaniel.  I’m a-travelin’ to the grave.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Dett, R. Nathaniel.  Ride on, King Jesus.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Dett, R. Nathanlel.  The ordering of Moses.
Dickerson, Peter.  The Judas tree.
Donizetti, Gaetano.  Don PasqualeCom’è gentile.
Donizetti, Gaetano.  La favorita.  Spirto gentil.
Donizetti, Gaetano.  La fille du regiment.  Pour mon âme.
Donizetti, Gaetano.  L'elisire d'amore.  Un' furtiva lagrima.
Donizetti, Gaetano.  Lucia di Lammermoor.  Fra poco a me ricovero.
Dubois, Théodore.  Les sept paroles de Jésus Christ.
Dvořák, Antonín.  Stabat mater.
Elgar, Edward.  The dream of Gerontius.
Erb, Donald.  Honor, honor
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Europe, James Reese.  Castle House rag.
Finzi, Gerald.  Dies natalis.
Finzi, Gerald.  Imitations of immortality.
Finzi, Gerald.  Psalm 86.
Flotow, Friedrich von.  Martha.  M'appari.
Foss, Lukas.  The parable of death.
Foss, Lukas.  The prairie.
Gershwin, George.  Porgy and Bess. 
CD: Decca (1990).
LP: Decca/London OSA-13116 (1976)
Blossom Music Festival, 1975.
William Brown (Peter and Nelson); McHenry Boatwright (Crown); John Buck (Mr. Archdale); Barbara Conrad (Maria and Strawberrry woman); François Clemmons (Sportin' Life); Christopher Deane (Jim and Frazier); Alpha Floyd (Annie); Samuel Hagan (Crab man); Barbara Hendricks (Clara); Isola Jones (Lily); Joela Jones (Jazzbo Brown); Allan Leatherman (Coroner); Leona Mitchell (Bess); Ralph Neally (Policeman); James Vincent Pickens (Mingo); Florence Quivar (Serena); Robert Snook (Detective); Arthur Thompson (Jake); Willard White (Porgy); Donald Zucca (Scipio); Cleveland Orchestra & Chorus; Lorin Maazel, conductor
Giles, Jean.  Messe des morts.
Gomes, Antônio Carlos.  [Works not identified; Communication to me, ca.  1970]
Gounod, Charles.   Roméo et Juliette.  Ah, lève toi, soleil.
Gounod, Charles.  FaustSalut! demeure chaste et pure.
Gruenberg, Louis.  Creation, op.23
CD: GunMar G.M. 2015CD (1995)
William Brown, tenor; Collage New Music Ensemble; Gunther Schuller, conductor. 
Haazen, Guido.  Missa luba.
Hailstork, Adolphus.  Done made my vow.
Hairston, Jester.  A change has got to come; arr. by Hale Smith. 
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Hairston, Jester. He never said a mumbalin' word
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Handel, George Frideric.  Acis and Galathea.
Handel, George Frideric.  Cantata no. 8, Look down, harmonius saints.
Handel, George Frideric.  Cantata no. 22, Tu fedel, tu costante.
Handel, George Frideric.  Israel in Egypt.
Handel, George Frideric.  Jeptha.
Handel, George Frideric.  Joshua.
Handel, George Frideric.  Judas Maccadeus
Fort Wayne (1961). 
William Brown, tenor; Fort Wayne Symphony Orchestra (1961).
Handel, George Frideric.  L'allegro, il peneroso, ed il moderato.
Handel, George Frideric.  Messiah.
Handel, George Frideric.  Samson.
Handel, George Frideric.  Semele.
Handel, George Frideric.  Solomon.
Haydn, Joseph.  Die Jahreszeitung.
Haydn, Joseph.  Die Schöpfung.
Haydn, Joseph.  L'infedeltà delusa.
William Brown, tenor (Nencio).
Haydn, Joseph.  Mass, Hob. XII:9, Paukenmesse.
Haydn, Joseph.  Mass, Hob. XXII:11, Lord Nelson.
Hayes, Roland.  Ezekiel saw de wheel.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Hayes, Roland.  Sister Mary had-a but one child.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Honegger, Arthur.  Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher.
Honegger, Arthur.  Le roi David.
Hovhaness. Alan.  Transfiguration.
Janáček, Leoš.  The diary of one who disappeared.
Johnson, Hall.  Fi-yer.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Johnson, Hall.  Po’ mo’aner got a home at last.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Johnson, J. Rosamond.  Lift every voice and sing; arr. by Hale Smith. 
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
La Montaine, John. The shepherdes playe (Solo angel).  Washington Opera, 19??/, telecast ABC-TV première.
LaMontaine, John.  The shepherdes playe.
TV: ABC-TV.
William Brown (Solo angel); Washington Opera. 
Lara, Augustín.  Granada.
Liszt, Franz.  Eine Faustsymphonie.
Liszt, Franz.  Psalm 13.
Logan, Wendell.  Runagate, runagate, chamber orchestra version. 
Chicago, Orchestra Hall, 1991/II/6.
William Brown, tenor; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, baritone; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Kay George Roberts, conductor ().
Cincinnati.  University of Cincinnati, 1991/II/8.
William Brown, tenor; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, baritone; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Kirk Smith, conductor.
New York.  Alice Tully Hall, 1990/IX/10.
William Brown, tenor; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, baritone; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Kay George Roberts, conductor.
Williamstown MA, Williams College,  1991/II/9.
William Brown, tenor; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, baritone; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Kirk Smith, conductor.
Love, G.  Gospel train; arr. by Morton Gould. 
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Mahler, Gustav.  Das Lied von der Erde.
Mahler, Gustav.  Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen.
Mahler, Gustav.  Symphony,  no. 8.
Martin, Frank.  In terra pax.
Mascagni, Pietro.  Cavalleria rusticana.  Mamma, quel vino e generoso.
Mascagni, Pietro.  Cavalleria rusticana.  O Lola, bianca come fior.
Massenet, Jules.  Manon.  Ah! fuyez douce image
Massenet, Jules.  Manon.  Instant charmant.
Massenet, Jules.  Werther.  Pourquoi me réveiller.
Mendelssohn, Felix.  Die erste Walpurgisnacht
LP: Musical Heritage Society MHS-4140 (1980).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Mendlessohn, Felix.  Elijah.
Mendelssohn, Felix.  St. Paulus.
Mendelssohn, Felix.  Symphony, no. 2 (Lobegesang).
Menotti, Gian Carlo.  Amahl and the night visitors.
William Brown (Kasper).
Menotti, Gian Carlo.  The saint of Bleeker Street.
William Brown  (Michele).
Meyerbeer, Giacomo.  L'africaine.  O paradis.
Misurell-Mitchell, JaniceSermon of the spider
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFwQLUoP6Gc.
William Brown, tenor and narrator; Lutheran School of Theology Gospel Choir;  CUBE Contemporary Chamber Ensemble; Philip Morehead, conductor (2003). 
Monteverdi, ClaudioL'incoronazione di Poppea.
William Brown  (Lucano), Opera Orchestra of New York, Eve Queler, conductor.
William Brown (Nero).
Moore, Dorothy Rudd.  Frederick Douglass.EMAIL TO CBMR FOR EMAIL
New York, City College of New York, Aaron Davis Hall, (1985/VI/?, 30) première.
William Brown (Nathan); Timothy Allen ( ); Lawrence Baskt ( ); James Butler (Frederick Douglass); William Drake ( ); Alpha Floyd ( ); Hilda Harris (Anna); Gurcell Henry (escaped slave); Kevin Maynor ( ); Ronald Naldi ( ); Carolyn Sebron ( ); Arthur Woodley ( ); Opera Ebony; Warren George Wilson, conductor.
Newark, Symphony Hall, 1991.
Kevin Maynor (Frederick Douglass); Klara Barlow (Helen); Gregory Rahming (Howard)
Moore, Undine.  Scenes from the life of a martyr.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Clarice cara, mia sposa, K. 256.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Clarice cara, mia sposa, K. 256.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Con ossequio, con rispetto, K. 210.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Così fan tutte.  Un'aura amorosa.
Mozart, Wolfgang AmadeusDie Entführung aus dem Serail.
Baltimore (1972).
William Brown (Belmonte), Baltimore Opera Company.
Mozart, Wolfgang AmadeusDie Zauberflöte.
William Brown  (Tamino).
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Die Zauberflöte.  Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön.
Mozart, Wolfgang AmadeusDon Giovanni (Don Ottavio) Connecticut Opera, 1970.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Don Giovanni.  Dalla sua pace.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Don Giovanni.  Dalla sua pace.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Don Giovanni.  Il mio tesoro.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Mass, K. 317, C major.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Mass, K. 427, C minor.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Misero! o sogno, o son desto, K. 431.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Per pietà, non ricercate, K. 420.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Requiem
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Se al labbro mio non credi, K. 295.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus.  Si mostra la sorte, K. 209.
Nicolai, Otto.  Die lustige Weibe von Windsor.  Horch, die Lerche singt im Hain.
Nunes-Garcia, José Maurício.  Requiem Mass, M. 185; arr. by Dominique-René de Lerma. 
Helsinki, Finalandia Hall, 1974.
Columbia M-33431 (1975, Black composers series, vol. 5).
William Brown, tenor; Doralene Davis, soprano; Betty Allen, mezzo-soprano; Matti Tuloisela, bass-baritone. Morgan State University Choir; Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor), 1974.
New York, Avery Fischer Hall, 1977.
William Brown, tenor; New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Paul Freeman, conductor.
Offenbach, JacquesLes contes d'Hoffmann.
Baltimore, 1967, debut
William Brown (Salanzani); Baltimore Opera Company.
Offenbach, Jacques.  Les contes d'Hoffmann.  Ah, vivre deux.
Orff, Carl.  Carmina burana
CD: Telarc CD 80056 (1990).
LP: Telarc DG 10056/57.
William Brown, tenor; Judith Blegen, soprano; Håkan Hagegård, baritone; Atlanta Boy Choir; Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Robert Shaw, conductor. 
Orff, Carl.  Catulli carmina.
Ponchielli, Amilcare.  La gioconda.  Cielo e mar.
Postlewaite, J. W.  St. Louis Grey's quickstep.
Price, Florence.   Night.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Puccini, Giacomo.  Gianni Schicchi.  Firenze e come un albero.
Puccini, Giacomo.  La bohème.
Arlington [?], 1962.
William Brown (Rodolfo); Opera Theater of Northern Virginia.
Puccini, Giacomo.  Madama Butterfly.  Addio, fiorito asil.
Puccini, Giacomo.  Madama Butterfly.  Amore o gillo.
Rachmaninoff. Sergei.  The bells.
Rainier, Priaulx.  Cycle for declamation.
Ramirez, Ariel.  Missa criolla.
Respighi, Ottorino.  Laud to the nativity.
Rossini, GioacchinoIl barbiere di Siviglia.
William Brown  (Count Almaviva).
Rossini, Gioacchino.  Il barbiere di Siviglia.  Ecco ridente.
Rossini, Gioacchino.  Il barbiere di Siviglia.  Se il mio nome.
Rossini, Gioacchino.  La Cenerentola.
William Brown (Ramiro).
Rossini, Gioacchino.  La danza.
Rossini, Gioacchino.  Petite messe solennelle.
Rossini, Gioacchino.  Stabat mater.
Sacco, Peter.  Hypocrites. Duration: 6:58.
CD: Albany 410 (2001, Paul Freeman introduces ... vol. 7)
William Brown; Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Saint-Saëns.  Christmas oratorio.
Schubert, Franz.  Auf dem Strom.
Schubert, Franz.  Mass, A flat.
Schubert, Franz.  Mass, A flat.
Schubert, Franz.  Mass, G.
Schubert, Franz.  Salve regina, B-flat major.
Silverman, Stanley.  Elephant steps  William Brown (Doctor).
Smart, Gary.  Me and my songDuration: 5:34.
CD: Albany TROY 753 (2005, The major's letter and other songs).
Wiliam Brown, tenor; Gary Smart, piano.
Smetana, Bedrich.  The bartered bride; Prodaná nevĕsta.
William Brown (Hans).
Smith, Hale.  Honor, honor
TV: CBC (1985).
William Brown, tenor; Victoria Symphony Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Smith, Hale.  Jesus, lay your head in the window
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor.
TV: CBC (1985).
William Brown, tenor; Victoria Symphony Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Smith, Hale.  Let us break bread together
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
TV: CBC (1985).
William Brown, tenor; Victoria Symphony Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Smith, Hale.  This little light of mine
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Smith, Hale.  Witness
TV: CBC (1985).
William Brown, tenor; Victoria Symphony Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Still, William Grant.  A bayou legend.
Jackson, 1976/IV/10.
William Brown (Bazile); Carmen Balthrop (Aurore); Raeschille Potter (Clothilde);  Opera South.
CD 10460
TV: WNET-TV, PBS (1981/VI/15).
Gary Burgess  (Bazile); Carmen Balthrop (Aurore); Raeschille Potter (Clothilde); Peter Lightfoot (Leonce); Cullen Maiden (Lestant);  Opera South; Leonard de Paur, conductor.
Still, William Grant.  Highway 1 USA.
New York (197?/XII/5).
William Brown (Nate); Opera Ebony.
Still, William Grant.  Highway 1 USA.  What does he know of dreams?. 
LP: Columbia M-32782 (1974).
William Brown, tenor; Paul Freeman, conductor.
Still, William Grant.  Highway 1 USA. You're wonderful, Mary. 
LP: Columbia M-32782 (1974).
William Brown, tenor; Paul Freeman, consuctor.
Still, William Grant.  The breath of a rose.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 
Strauß, Richard.  Ariadne auf Naxos.William Brown (Dancing master).
Strauß, Richard.  Caecilie, op. 27, no. 2.
Strauß, Richard.  Der Rosenkavalier.  Di rigori armato.
Strauß, Richard.  Morgan, op. 27, no. 4.
Strauß, Richard.  Salome.
William Brown (Narraboth).
Strauß, Richard.  Six songs after poems by Clemen von Brentano, op. 68?==
Strauß, Richard.  Three hymns, op. 71.
Stravinsky, Igor.  A sermon, a narrative, and a prayer.
Stravinsky, Igor.  Cantata.
Stravinsky, Igor.  Canticum sacrum.
Stravinsky, Igor.  Four songs for voice, flute, harp, and guitar.
Stravinsky, Igor.  In memoriam Dylan Thomas.
Stravinsky, Igor.  Perséphone.
Stravinsky, Igor.  Renard.
Stravinsky, Igor.  Threni.
Sullivan, Arthur.  The Mikado.
William Brown (Nanki Poo).
Sunday morning 
TV: CBS; PBS.
William Brown, tenor; Murry Sidlin, conductor. 
Swanson, Howard.  Cahoots.
1991/II/6; Chicago; Orchestra Hall, 1991/II/6.
William Brown, tenor.
Swanson, Howard.  Fantasy in purple.
1991/II/6; Chicago; Orchestra Hall, 1991/II/6.
William Brown, tenor.
Swanson, Howard.  Lady's boogie.
1991/II/6; Chicago; Orchestra Hall, 1991/II/6.
William Brown, tenor.
Thomas, Ambroise.  Mignon.  Adieu, Mignon, courage.
Thome, Joel.  Savitri.  World traveler.
Thomson, Virgil.  Four saints in three acts
New York, Carnegie Hall, 1981.[1] 
CD: Nonesuch (2005).  Duration: 90:00
LP: Turnabout 79035 (1982).
William Brown (St. Chavez); Betty Allen (Commère); Marilyn Andry, soprano; Harold Beasley, tenor; Gwendolyn Bradley (St. Settlement); Linda Childs (St. Genevieve); Clamma Dale (St. Theresa I); Joseph DeVaughn (St. Stephen); Kevin Elliott (St. Eustace); ; Ella Eure-Eton (St. Sara); Earl Grandison; Iris Harris; Theodore Hodges; Richard Jasper; Cheryl Kirk (St. Anne); Denise Lock (St. Cecilia); Benjamin Matthews (compère); Patricia McDermott; Judith Otten; William Penn (St. Plan); Lisa Polite; Florence Quivar (St. Teresa II); Maeretha Stewart (St. Celestine); Lloyd Thompkins (St. Lawrence); Arthur Thompson (St. Ignatius); Clifford Townsend (St. Jan and St. Placide);  Louis Tucker (St. Answers); Leon Wheeler (St. Absalon); Diane Wilson; Deborah Young;  Chorus: Marilyn Andry, Harold Beasley, Linda Childs, Joseph de Vaughn, Ella Eure-Eaton, Kevin Elliot, Earl Grandison, Iris Harris, Theodore Hodges, Richard Jasper, Cheryl Kirk, Denis Lock, Patricia McDermott, Judith Otten, William Penn, Lisa Polite, Maeretha Stewart, Clifford Terry, Lloyd Thompkins, Clifford Townsend, Louis Tucker, Gloria Turner, Leon Wheeler, Diane Wilson, Deborah Young; Orchestra of our Time, Joel Thome, conductor. 
Tillis, Frederick.  Deep river
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Tillis, Frederick.  Swing low, sweet chariot
LP: Columbia JC-36267 (1979, Symphonic spirituals).
William Brown, tenor; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Paul Freeman, conductor. 
Traetta, Tommaso  The knight errant.
William Brown (Guido).
Vaughan Williams, Ralph.  Four hymns.
Vaughan Williams, Ralph.  Merciless beauty.
Vaughan Williams, Ralph.  On Wenlock Edge.
Verdi, Giuseppe.  FalstaffDal labbro il canto estasiato.
Verdi, Giuseppe.  La traviata.
Columbus, 1982/XII.2,4.
William Brown (Alfredo).  Opera Columbus.
Verdi, Giuseppe.  La traviata. De' miei bollenti spiriti.
Verdi, Giuseppe.  Requiem.
Verdi, Giuseppe.  RigolettoLa donna è mobile.
Verdi, Giuseppe.  RigolettoParmi veder le lagrime.
Verdi, Giuseppe.  RigolettoQuesta o quella.
Verdi, Giuseppe.  Te Deum.
Walker, George.  Mass
Baltimore, Lyric Theater, 1979/IV/13, première. 
CD: Albany (2013)
William Brown, tenor; Claudia Lindsay, soprano; Norma Hirsh, mezzo-soprano; Abraham Lind-Oquendo, baritone;  Morgan State University Choir; Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Sergiu Comissiona, conductor.
Walker, George.  Mass.  Credo
William Brown, tenor; Claudia Lindsay, soprano; Norma Hirsh, mezzo-soprano; Abraham Lind-Oquendo, baritone;  Morgan State University Choir; Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Sergiu Comissiona, conductor.
Warlock, Peter.  The curlew.
Weisgall, Hugo.  Nine rivers from Jordan
New York (1968), première. 
William Brown, (Lieutenant Jean l'Aiglon); New York City Opera (1968).
Westergaard, Peter.  Mr. and Mrs. Discobbolos.
Wilson, Olly.  No more.
Wilson, Olly.  Of visions and truth; A song cycle 1. I've been 'buked; 2. Lullaby; 3. Ikef; 4. If we must die Chicago, Orchestra Hall, 1991/II/6. 
Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati (1991/II/8).
Williamstown, Williams College (1991/II/9).
William Brown; Hilda Harris, mezzo-soprano; Donnie Ray Albert, bass-baritone; Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Kay George Roberts, conductor .
Wilson, Olly.  Sometimes
Baltimore, Res Musica. 
Chicago, Getz Theater, 1989/II/7, 8.
LP: CRI S-370 (1977).
Chicago, University of Illinois (1989/II/9.
William Brown. (Res Musica).
Work, John W., II.  Soliloquoy.
CD: Albany TROY 329 (Fi-yer!).
William Brown, tenor; Ann Sears, piano. 

---------------------------------
Dominique-René de Lerma




[1] This was presented in celebration of Thomson’s 85th birthday. 

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