Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 11, 1882 in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada

Death

:

October 2, 1943 in Battle Creek, MI

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

R. Nathaniel Dett was a prominent African American composer, pianist, and choral director who made significant contributions to the classical music world during the early 20th century. Born on October 11, 1882, in Drummondville, Ontario, Canada, Dett was the son of a Baptist minister and a schoolteacher. His parents instilled in him a love for music, and he began playing the piano at a young age. Dett's musical talents were evident from an early age, and he received his first formal music training at the Olivet Institute in Michigan. He later attended the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied piano, composition, and choral conducting. Dett was a gifted student and won several awards for his musical abilities. After completing his studies at Oberlin, Dett began his career as a music educator. He taught at several institutions, including Lane College in Tennessee and Hampton Institute in Virginia. Dett was a passionate advocate for music education and believed that every student should have access to music instruction. In addition to his work as an educator, Dett was also a prolific composer. He wrote music in a variety of genres, including choral works, piano pieces, and orchestral compositions. Dett's music was heavily influenced by African American spirituals and folk music, and he often incorporated these elements into his compositions. One of Dett's most famous works is his oratorio, "The Ordering of Moses." The piece tells the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and features a mix of classical and spiritual music. "The Ordering of Moses" was first performed in 1932 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The piece has since become a staple of the choral repertoire and is still performed today. Dett's other notable works include his "Juba Dance" for piano, which is based on a traditional African American dance, and his "Cinnamon Grove" suite for piano, which features elements of African American folk music. Dett also wrote several choral works, including "Listen to the Lambs" and "Don't Be Weary, Traveler." Throughout his career, Dett faced significant challenges as an African American composer. He often struggled to gain recognition for his work and was frequently subjected to racism and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, Dett remained committed to his music and continued to create groundbreaking works that pushed the boundaries of classical music. In addition to his work as a composer and educator, Dett was also a respected choral conductor. He founded several choirs, including the Hampton Institute Choir and the National Association of Negro Musicians Choir. Dett's choirs were known for their powerful performances and their ability to blend classical and spiritual music. Dett's contributions to the classical music world were significant, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today. He was a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of African American composers and musicians. Dett died on October 2, 1943, but his music lives on as a testament to his talent and his dedication to the art of music.

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