Composer

:

William Grant Still

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

Dec 6, 1930

Publication Date

:

1935

First Performance

:

Oct 29, 1931

Average_duration

:

25:16

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Symphony No. 1 Afro-American is a symphony composed by William Grant Still, an African-American composer, in 1930. It premiered on June 15, 1931, in Rochester, New York, with Howard Hanson conducting the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. The symphony is divided into four movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled "Afro-American," is characterized by a syncopated rhythm and a bluesy melody. It begins with a slow introduction that gradually builds in intensity, leading to the main theme. The theme is based on a spiritual called "Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass," and it is played by the strings. The movement also features a solo for the English horn, which plays a mournful melody that is reminiscent of a spiritual. The second movement, titled "Sorrow," is a slow and melancholy piece that features a solo for the oboe. The movement is characterized by a mournful melody that is played by the strings and the woodwinds. The movement builds to a climax before ending on a quiet and somber note. The third movement, titled "Humor," is a lively and playful piece that features a syncopated rhythm and a jaunty melody. The movement is characterized by a call-and-response between the different sections of the orchestra, with the brass and percussion playing a prominent role. The fourth and final movement, titled "Aspiration," is a triumphant and uplifting piece that features a soaring melody played by the strings. The movement is characterized by a sense of hope and optimism, and it builds to a powerful climax before ending on a triumphant note. Overall, Symphony No. 1 Afro-American is a groundbreaking work that blends elements of African-American music with classical music. It was the first symphony composed by an African-American composer to be performed by a major orchestra in the United States, and it helped to pave the way for other African-American composers to gain recognition in the classical music world.

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