Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 2, 1866 in Erie, PA

Death

:

September 12, 1949 in Stamford, CT

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh was an African American classical music composer, arranger, and singer who was born on December 2, 1866, in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was the son of a former slave, and his mother was a Native American and a member of the Seneca tribe. Burleigh's father died when he was young, and his mother raised him and his siblings on her own. Burleigh showed an early interest in music and began singing in his church choir at a young age. He also taught himself to play the piano and the guitar. Burleigh's talent was recognized by his community, and he was given the opportunity to study music with local teachers. In 1892, Burleigh was accepted into the National Conservatory of Music in New York City, where he studied under the renowned composer Antonin Dvorak. Dvorak recognized Burleigh's talent and encouraged him to incorporate African American spirituals into his compositions. This was a significant departure from the European classical music tradition, which had largely ignored African American music. Burleigh's compositions and arrangements of spirituals were groundbreaking and helped to establish a new genre of music that blended African American and European classical music traditions. His arrangements of spirituals were performed by some of the most prominent musicians of his time, including Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, and Roland Hayes. One of Burleigh's most famous compositions is "Deep River," which he arranged in 1916. The song is a spiritual that speaks to the longing for freedom and the hope of a better life. The song has been performed by countless musicians and has become a staple of the African American spiritual repertoire. Burleigh's other notable compositions include "Ethiopia Saluting the Colors," "Little David, Play on Your Harp," and "My Lord, What a Morning." His compositions and arrangements of spirituals helped to establish a new genre of music that blended African American and European classical music traditions. Burleigh was also a talented singer and performed as a baritone in many concerts and recitals. He was known for his powerful voice and his ability to convey the emotion and meaning of the spirituals he sang. Burleigh was a trailblazer in the classical music world and helped to pave the way for future generations of African American musicians. He was a mentor to many young musicians and was a strong advocate for the inclusion of African American music in the classical music canon. Burleigh died on September 12, 1949, in Stamford, Connecticut. His legacy lives on through his compositions and arrangements of spirituals, which continue to be performed and celebrated today.

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