Florence Price

Donald Macleod uncovers the story and prolific output of American composer Florence Price.

Florence Price became a highly successful classical composer, organist, pianist and teacher of music during the twentieth century in America. She was the first African-American woman to be recognised as a composer of symphonic music, and also the first African-American woman to have her works performed by one of the world’s leading orchestras. In collaboration with the Arts and Humanities Research Council, BBC Radio 3 launched the Forgotten Women Composers Project. Championed by the composer and educator Shirley Thompson, Florence Price became a particular focus for the project. Scores by Florence Price were located and recorded by BBC Orchestras and Choirs. It will be the first time Florence Price has been featured on Composer of the Week, and the series is supplemented by many specially recorded works. Over the course of the episode, we’ll hear about the impact racial prejudice and marriage had on her life and career, her battles for recognition, ultimate fame, and her prolific output, despite health issues late in life.

Music featured:The Deserted GardenSonata in E minor (Andante – Allegro)Suite for Organ No 1 (Fughetta and Air)The OakViolin Concerto No 2My DreamCotton DanceThe Old BoatmanThe Moon BridgeMy Soul’s been anchored in the LordSymphony No 1 in E minorSong for SnowSinner Don’t Let This Harvest PassPoem of PraisePiano Concerto in D minorDances in the CanebrakesSuite for Organ No 1 (Toccata)Sonata in E minor (Andante)SympathyThe Glory of the day was in her faceResignationSymphony No 3The Goblin and the MosquitoConcert Overture No 2Five Folksongs in Counterpoint (Drink to me only with thine eyes)NightMy Soul’s Been Anchored in the LordViolin Concerto No 1 in D major

Presented by Donald MacleodProduced by Luke Whitlock for BBC Wales

For full tracklistings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Florence Pricehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000fwf0

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

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