| From Christine Melchert This weekend we are fortunate to play “African Suite: IV. Dance Negre” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Here are some fun facts in addition to what Bill shared at rehearsal: • His mother named him after the famous English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge • His first commission came via Edward Elgar • His most famous work is “Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast” based on a poem by Longfellow • He was influenced by his friendship with African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar to concentrate on his African heritage in his music • He was 23 years old when he wrote “Danse Negre” (the 4th and most familiar movement of “African Suite which highlights elements of the African experience) • He was hugely popular in the United States 110 years ago and inspired leading figures in the early civil rights movement • In 1904, he was the first black man to conduct a white orchestra in America • You can watch a 2 hour documentary on YouTube about Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and His Music in America (1900-1912) • Chineke! Orchestra has made more of his music familiar like this Ballade for Orchestra Opus 33 I highly recommend this in-depth and fascinating presentation about Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and the Musical Fight for Civil Rights You can also listen here to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s All Time Best Works. |
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