John Malveaux: William Levi Dawson was African American Composer of 1934 NEGRO FOLK SYMPHONY, Premiered by Leopold Stokowski and now on 2 CDs

William Levi Dawson

John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

 No. 1

OBJECTIVE: Heighten awareness of historically significant, but little known, symphonic, chamber, and vocal music -including operas.

William Levi Dawson was an African American composer, professor and choir director born on September 26, 1899 in Anniston, Alabama. His 1934 NEGRO FOLK SYMPHONY had a successful world premiere with conductor Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The symphony was revised in 1952 with added African rhythms inspired by Dawson’s trip to West Africa. Recordings by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and American Symphony are readily available for purchase.  Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJX1jCmCev8&t=57s.

Currently, the NEGRO FOLK SYMPHONY is seldom and never heard on classical radio stations and UNHEARD for generations on concert stages.

For additional information about William Levi Dawson visit http://chevalierdesaintgeorges.homestead.com/Dawson.html

To contact MusicUNTOLD.com Audio Library email     JMalveaux@gmail.com