African American Organ Music Anthology
Covering the span from mid-to late 20th Century, this series is designed to include music representing African-American men and women who wrote for the organ during this period. The music may be utilized either in recital or for the church service. Contrary to popular belief, the classical music of African-Americans not only includes works that are based on the Negro spiritual, but also include compositions based on or influenced by a variety of sources. Among these are plainchant, African-tribal tunes, general Protestant hymnody, German chorales, original composer themes, music from the Jewish liturgical tradition, as well as Civil Rights themes. One will find many of these categories represented herein.
The works represent a variety of composition forms that include, but are not limited to ternary form, sonata-allegro, rondo, theme and variation, and free form. Yet, because of historical stereotyping of African-Americans in society and the consequential lack of interest by music publishers, performers, and the public, much of this music has for a long time remained only in manuscript form. Since the advent of the Black Nationalist movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s, which resulted in greater emphasis being placed on the importance of black contributions to art, music, and literature, a few efforts have been made to address this problem. The genesis of these volumes constitutes one such effort.
As for the composers in the series, several are alumni of prominent musical institutions both in the U.S. and abroad. Moreover, several were recipients of prestigious composition awards. As for the series itself, its purpose is to draw attention to organ music produced by a sorely neglected, but substantive school of American composers whose recognition is long overdue. The music speaks for itself.
-Mickey Thomas Terry, Ph.D., Series Editor
Contents:
Chili’lo (Lament) - Noel Da Costa
Impromptu - Charles Coleman
Joy to the World - Evelyn Simpson-Curenton
Prelude on Lauda Anima - Marvin Mills
Toccata (EAM) - Marvin Mills
