H. Leslie Adams: “The score, 'Nightsongs,' which includes 'Prayer' is available on the Adams website”

[H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932)]

A bass-baritone contacted AfriClassical.com for assistance in locating music of H. Leslie Adams for a Master's Degree Recital. While considering possible works to be used as encores, the singer had found a recording of Prayer by H. Leslie Adams, and asked us if the sheet music could be obtained. We replied with an email copied to H. Leslie Adams and our principal advisor, Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma.

The composer responded to AfriClassical.com:

“Dear Bill,

The score, 'Nightsongs,' which incudes 'Prayer' is available on the Adams website, namely www.hleslieadams.com From drop down Menu, go to Purchase Scores. For a program on such short notice, the best would be to go directly to American Composers Alliance, 802 W. 190th St. Suite 1B, New York NY 10040. Phone 212 362 8900. ingo@composers.com”

Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma replied to the singer:

“Discovering new repertoire and a new composer is a very exciting experience. I'm glad that you now wish to add Leslie to your list; he is a fine composer. May I suggest a work that has long been more than just a favorite of mine: his Sence you went away is, I think, one of the most wonderful works in the entire repertoire!”

AfriClassical.com relayed the reply of H. Leslie Adams to the graduate student, who expressed great appreciation for the assistance provided. [H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com]

'H. Leslie Adams: “'Prayer' on a text of Langston Hughes, is not an arrangement but an original composition by myself.”

[H. Leslie Adams]

H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) has provided an important correction to a Nov. 18 post from the Boston Musical Intelligencer: “Jeanine De Bique Sings 'Hall Johnson, H. Leslie Adams, H. T. Burleigh, and Jacqueline Hairtson.'”

“Dear Bill,

Thanks so much for this information. They got it a bit wrong, though. 'Prayer' on a text of Langston Hughes, is not an arrangement but an original composition by myself. It's my melody and accompaniment, and though it may sound like an arranged piece, it's not. In case you're in touch with De Bique, please let her know so this doesn't 'get out there' incorrectly. Thanks, Leslie"