William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1, "Afro-American", evolved from
blue-based sketches he wrote during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance while
arranging for jazz ensembles. Freeman's sultry, swinging interpretation
is several minutes faster than competing CD versions. Freeman, who
worked directly with Still on performances of the First Symphony and
other works, says Still "always emphasized the 'flow' of the music, and
faster tempos were often the natural outcome."
To purchase the CD or download this performance, click here.
Cedille Records is the recording label of The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation, a publicly-supported, not-for-profit, organization devoted to promoting the finest musicians, ensembles, and composers in the Chicago area by producing and releasing their efforts on audiophile-quality recordings. The recordings and their promotion are designed to stimulate interest in these performers and composers and bring their artistry to a wider audience. Cedille Records is also dedicated to promoting interest in neglected areas of the classical repertory by presenting masterpieces that have been overlooked by other recording companies.
Classical Music | Orchestral Music
William Grant Still
Symphony No. 1, "Afro-American" Play
Recorded on 05/24/2000, uploaded on 03/24/2009
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1, "Afro-American", evolved from blue-based sketches he wrote during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance while arranging for jazz ensembles. Freeman's sultry, swinging interpretation is several minutes faster than competing CD versions. Freeman, who worked directly with Still on performances of the First Symphony and other works, says Still "always emphasized the 'flow' of the music, and faster tempos were often the natural outcome."
Performances by same musician(s)
Piano Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. 32
Lyric for Strings
Symphony in D Major
Vorisek: Mass in B-Flat
Danse Nègre from African Suite
African Suite
Classical Music for the Internet Era™
To purchase the CD or download this performance, click here.
Cedille Records is the recording label of The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation, a publicly-supported, not-for-profit, organization devoted to promoting the finest musicians, ensembles, and composers in the Chicago area by producing and releasing their efforts on audiophile-quality recordings. The recordings and their promotion are designed to stimulate interest in these performers and composers and bring their artistry to a wider audience. Cedille Records is also dedicated to promoting interest in neglected areas of the classical repertory by presenting masterpieces that have been overlooked by other recording companies.