19m40s_21

21st of August 2023 7:40pm GMT+1

Black Classical Music

DESCRIPTION

The 21st release from 19'40" takes a deep dive into the repertoire of classical Afro-descendant composers.

Black Classical Music aims to shine a well-deserved spotlight on brilliant composers who have, for far too long, been left out of the classical music canon, despite the undeniable quality of their work.

The carefully curated selection spans a vast musical journey. It starts in the 18th century with Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, then takes us through the late Romantic era with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Thomas Wiggins. Moving into the 20th century, we are treated to the fascinating sounds of William Grant Still, Robert Nathaniel Dett, John Wesley Work III, and Julius Eastman, before arriving at George Walker's evocative work from 2012, Bleu.

The voyage of this album commenced on December 5, 2021, when chamber ensemble Esecutori di Metallo su Carta, affiliated with the label, had the extraordinary opportunity to perform some of these exceptional pieces live at the Santeria Social Club in Milan. This musical event was truly unprecedented in Italy.

Black Classical Music serves as a poignant reminder that the history of Western written music is a dynamic and ever-evolving narrative, transcending the boundaries of time, culture, and geography. This album stands as a timeless testament to the richness and diversity of the musical tapestry that unites us all.

TRACK LIST

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges ***
1. Sonata for keyboard with violin, Op. 1, No. 3 in G minor - Allegro
2. Sonata for keyboard with violin, Op. 1, No. 3 in G minor - Rondeau Gracioso

Thomas ‘Blind Tom’ Wiggins ****
3. The Battle of Manassas, for piano (Arr. for percussion and double bass by S. De Gennaro)

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor ****
4. Clarinet Quintet in F sharp minor, Op. 10 - Allegro energico
5. Clarinet Quintet in F sharp minor, Op. 10 - Larghetto affettuoso - Molto espressivo
6. Clarinet Quintet in F sharp minor, Op. 10 - Allegro leggiero

William Grant Still ***
7. Summerland, for piano (Arr. for alto sax and piano)

Robert Nathaniel Dett **
8. Desert Interlude from Eight Bible Vignettes, for piano (Arr. for vibraphone and piano)
9. Barcarolle of Tears from Eight Bible Vignettes, for piano (Arr. for vibraphone and piano)

John Wesley Work III **
10. At A Certain Church from Scuppernong, Three Pieces for Country Folk, for piano
11. Ring Game from Scuppernong, Three Pieces for Country Folk, for piano

Julius Eastman *
12. Macle, for four voices (1971) (Live version for five voices)

George Walker **
13. Bleu, for violin (Arr. for vibraphone)

CREDITS

Esecutori di Metallo su Carta

Yoko Morimyo, violin, voice
Eloisa Manera, violin
Pietro Molteni, viola
Marcella Schiavelli, cello
Sebastiano De Gennaro, percussion, voice
Simone Beneventi, percussion
Enrico Gabrielli, alto sax, A clarinet, voice
Damiano Afrifa, piano, voice
Roberto Benatti, double bass
Francesco Fusaro, voice

* Live recording by Carlo Zollo @ ContempoRarities Festival, Santeria Social Club (Milan) *

** Recording by Sebastiano De Gennaro @ Black Bear studio (Lissolo, LC) **

*** Recording by Simone Pirovano @ Damiano Afrifa’s home sweet home ***

**** Recording by Sebastiano De Gennaro @ Teatro Franco Parenti and Black Bear Studio ****

All tracks mixed by Francesco Fusaro, except for The Battle of Manassas, mixed by Francesco Fusaro and Sebastiano De Gennaro

Mastered by Roberto Rettura @ Lo Studio Spaziale, Bologna

Illustration and Graphic Design by Mike Calandra Achode