Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

April 9, 1887 in Little Rock, AR

Death

:

June 3, 1953 in Chicago, IL

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Florence Price was an African-American classical music composer who was born on April 9, 1887, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was the daughter of James H. Smith, a dentist, and Florence Gulliver, a music teacher. Her mother was her first music teacher, and she began playing the piano at the age of four. She showed exceptional talent and was soon performing in public. Price's family was part of the black middle class in Little Rock, and she received a good education. She attended Capitol Hill School, a private school for African-American children, and later went to New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She was the first African-American woman to graduate from the conservatory with a degree in music. After graduation, Price returned to Little Rock and began teaching music. She also continued to compose music, and her works were performed by local musicians. In 1912, she married Thomas J. Price, a lawyer, and they had three children. In 1927, Price's family moved to Chicago, where she became involved in the city's vibrant music scene. She joined the National Association of Negro Musicians and began to compose music that reflected her African-American heritage. Her works were performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other prominent ensembles. Price's music was influenced by a variety of styles, including classical, spirituals, and blues. She often incorporated African-American folk melodies into her compositions. Her most famous work is her Symphony No. 1 in E minor, which was premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933. It was the first symphony by an African-American woman to be performed by a major orchestra. Price continued to compose music throughout her life, but her career was hampered by racism and sexism. She often had to submit her works under a male pseudonym to get them performed. She also struggled financially and had to sell some of her manuscripts to make ends meet. Price died on June 3, 1953, in Chicago. Her music was largely forgotten after her death, but in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in her work. Her compositions have been recorded and performed by a new generation of musicians, and she is now recognized as an important figure in American classical music. In addition to her Symphony No. 1, Price's other notable works include her Piano Concerto in One Movement, her String Quartet in G Major, and her Five Folksongs in Counterpoint. Her music is characterized by its lush harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and incorporation of African-American musical traditions. Price's legacy extends beyond her music. She was a trailblazer for African-American women in classical music and paved the way for future generations of composers. Her perseverance in the face of discrimination and adversity is an inspiration to all who strive to make their mark in the world of classical music.

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