Beyond the Years

"Beyond the Years" is a groundbreaking classical album featuring the previously unpublished works of the remarkable Florence Beatrice Price. Released on July 26, 2024, under Azica Records, this collection showcases 19 songs, including 16 world premiere recordings, championed by soprano Karen Slack and pianist Michelle Cann. Spanning a concise yet impactful 48 minutes, the album offers a profound exploration of Price's artistic evolution, with tracks like "Desire," "Bright be the Place," and "Beyond the Years" highlighting her mastery of composition.

The album is a testament to meticulous archival research, with each piece carefully curated and sourced as recently as April 2024. It stands as a significant contribution to the classical genre, featuring works that have remained unheard until now. Price's compositions, characterized by their depth and emotional resonance, continue to garner acclaim, as evidenced by her recent Grammy wins. "Beyond the Years" is not just a collection of songs; it is a celebration of Florence Beatrice Price's enduring legacy and a vital addition to the classical music canon.

Florence Beatrice Price, born in 1888 in Little Rock, Arkansas, was a pioneering American classical composer, pianist, organist, and music teacher. She studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and made history in 1933 when she became the first African-American woman to have a symphony performed by a major US orchestra. Throughout her career, Price composed over 300 works, including four symphonies, four concertos, and a wealth of choral, chamber, and solo instrumental pieces. Her music, deeply rooted in her experiences and heritage, reflects a unique blend of African-American spirituals, Southern folk music, and European classical traditions. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, including the loss of her husband in 1931, Price's compositions continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians. In 2009, a significant collection of her works and papers was discovered, further cementing her legacy as a groundbreaking composer.

Beyond the Years

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