Composer

:

Florence Price

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1931

Average_duration

:

2:24

'Cotton Dance' is a composition by Florence Price, an African-American composer who was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1887. The piece was composed in 1931 and premiered in Chicago in the same year. 'Cotton Dance' is a three-movement work that is characterized by its use of African-American folk melodies and rhythms. The first movement, marked Allegro, is a lively dance that features syncopated rhythms and a playful melody. The second movement, marked Andante, is a slower, more contemplative piece that features a haunting melody played by the strings. The final movement, marked Allegro con brio, is a fast-paced dance that brings the piece to a rousing conclusion. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Cotton Dance' is its use of African-American folk melodies. Price was deeply influenced by the music of her African-American heritage, and she incorporated these melodies into many of her compositions. In 'Cotton Dance', she uses these melodies to create a sense of joy and celebration, as well as to evoke the struggles and hardships of African-Americans in the United States. Another notable characteristic of 'Cotton Dance' is its use of syncopated rhythms. Price was a master of rhythm, and she used syncopation to create a sense of energy and excitement in her music. In 'Cotton Dance', the syncopated rhythms give the piece a sense of forward motion, as if the music is constantly moving and evolving. Overall, 'Cotton Dance' is a vibrant and engaging work that showcases Price's unique voice as a composer. Through her use of African-American folk melodies and syncopated rhythms, she creates a piece that is both celebratory and reflective, capturing the spirit of her heritage and the struggles of her people.

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