[Photo collage L to R, top then bottom: Florence Beatrice-Price, Julius Eastman, Scott Joplin, William Grant Still, Stewart Goodyear]
In a world that hasn’t always welcomed them with open arms, many of these performers, instrumentalists, and conductors shattered racial barriers on the concert stage and created landmark moments in classical music.
While you are likely familiar with the symphonic work of Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin, and William Grant Still, you probably don’t know Florence Beatrice-Price, Julius Eastman, and Stewart Goodyear.
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From the highly sophisticated instrumental musical forms, like the concerto, symphony and sonata, to spirituals, to the avant-garde, Black composers have made an impact on Classical music. Many of these artists languished in obscurity in life, and have been all but forgotten.
While other Black women and men are creating significant works of music right now. Here are some of the most influential Black voices in classical music history from the 18th century to today.
Enjoy. And as always, stay safe, sane, and kind.
by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Twitter: @marlonw IG: stlmarlonwest Spotify: marlonwest)
