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
"French comedy, New Orleans jazz on Stillman" in Tuscaloosa news (1970/IX/13).
"Tenor William Brown to return this fall" in Evening independent. (1971/IX/2).
“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).
Ericson, Raymond. "Busoni Turandot performed here; Comic work is offered by Little Orchestra Society" in New York times (1967/X/11).
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. "Amram's Twelfth night opens in Glens Falls; Joseph Papp adapts libretto for new opera From Shakespeare comedy" in New York times (1968/VIII/5).
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.
Schonberg, Harold C. "Opera: Nine rivers From Jordan has premiere; City troupe performs Hugo Weisgall's work, Johnston libretto full of religious symbolism" in New York times (1968/X/10).
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, Vincenzo. Norma.
William Brown (Pollione).
Berlinksi, Herman. Job.
Berlioz, Hector. Chant des chemins de fer.
Berlioz, Hector. La damnation de Faust. Merci, doux crépuscle.
Berlioz, Hector. La damnation de Faust. Nature 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. Carmen. La fleur que tu m'avais jetée.
Bizet, Georges. Carmen. La 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. Mefistofole. Dai campi, dai prati.
Boito, Arrigo. Mefistofole. Giunto 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, Ferruccio. Turandot.
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 Pasquale. Com’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. Faust. Salut! 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, Janice. Sermon 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, Claudio. L'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 Amadeus. Die Entführung aus dem Serail.
Baltimore (1972).
William Brown (Belmonte), Baltimore Opera Company.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Die Zauberflöte.
William Brown (Tamino).
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Die Zauberflöte. Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Don 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, Jacques. Les 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, Gioacchino. Il 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 song. Duration: 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. Falstaff. Dal 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. Rigoletto. La donna è mobile.
Verdi, Giuseppe. Rigoletto. Parmi veder le lagrime.
Verdi, Giuseppe. Rigoletto. Questa 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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7siNIXuGBfk Duration: 7:00.
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
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