Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Adrienne Metzinger: Sung Jin Hong writes for Berlin's VAN Magazine, Includes Undine Smith Moore's "Before I'd Be a Slave" performed by Maria Corley, pianist

Sung Jin Hong, Conductor
One World Symphony

Soulscapes: Piano Music by African American Women
Maria Corley, piano
Albany Records

Adrienne Metzinger writes:
 
Berlin’s VAN Magazine Features Sung Jin Hong’s Political Art Playlist: "Know the Land"

One World Symphony Artistic Director & Composer-Conductor Sung Jin Hong was engaged by Berlin’s VAN Magazine as a contributing author. His Political Art Playlist, "Know the Land," examines the works of Saariaho, Undine Smith Moore, Messiaen, Britten, Beethoven, Isang Yun, and Han Yong-un and how they speak to “eternal truths about time, longing, and justice.” 

"Before the Civil Rights movement, many of her [Undine Smith Moore's] compositions, including “Before I’d be a slave,” spoke of owning that spirit: her heritage. The way Smith Moore directly addressed the validity of her people has resonated with me. Instead of forcing a narrative of finding beauty in dark, desolate sublimity, this tight, impenetrable work unapologetically voices the experiences of her people who defiantly resist their dehumanization.” 
– Sung Jin Hong, “Know the Land,” VAN Magazine, 54th issue

Read complete Political Art Playlist “Know the Land”:

Website of One World Symphony
 



[Maria Corley writes about her letter from Adrienne Metzinger]

Hi Bill,


I thought this might interest you! The CD was recorded in 2006. Another piece was recently featured on BBC3, according to a tweet. I think I should record Soulscapes 2! (It features music by African American women). Honestly, I was speechless.

From: Adrienne Metzinger

Dear Ms. Maria Corley,
My name is Adrienne Metzinger, managing director of NYC’s One World Symphony. I’d like to share some news with you. Composer-conductor Sung Jin Hong was recently engaged by Berlin’s VAN Magazine to write a piece. His Political Art Playlist, “Know The Land,” included your passionate performance of Undine Smith Moore’s “Before I’d be a slave.” Sung Jin appreciated your interpretation of the work that “unapologetically voices the experience of her people who defiantly resist their dehumanization.” The complete feature is here:




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