Glorious Revelations
Donald Macleod and musicologist Samantha Ege follow Margaret Bonds to university where she makes a life-changing discovery, and to the stage for her first performing successes.
Donald Macleod and musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege follow Margaret Bonds to university where she makes a life-changing discovery, and to the stage for her first performing successes.
Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period.
In this second programme, Margaret Bonds goes to university where she is directly confronted to racism and segregation, away from the protected circle of her childhood home. There, she discovers a text that will save her, as she told years later. With her teacher and good friend Florence Price, she also takes centre stage in a landmark concert in which the talented young pianist shines.
Trad, arr Bonds: Didn’t It Rain
Stephen Salters, baritone
Shiela Kibbe, piano
The Negro Speaks of Rivers
Darryl Taylor, tenor
Maria Corley, piano
John Alden Carpenter: Concertino for Piano and Orchestra
Michael Chertock, piano
±«Óãtv Concert Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Three Dream Portraits
Malcolm J. Merriweather, baritone
Ashley Jackson, harp
Simon Bore the Cross (mvts I to V)
Janinah Burnett, soprano
Dashon Burton, bass-baritone
The Dessoff Choirs
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor
Produced by Julien Rosa
A ±«Óãtv Audio Wales & West production for ±«Óãtv Radio 3
On radio
Broadcast
- Tue 22 Oct 2024 16:00±«Óãtv Radio 3
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