Immerse yourself in the rich musical tapestry of William Grant Still, one of America's most influential composers, with the album "Oregon Festival of American Music Presents William Grant Still." Released on November 1, 2013, under Seranya Records, this 57-minute collection showcases Still's diverse and innovative compositions, blending classical elegance with folk and jazz influences.
The album opens with the enchanting "Lyric Quartet," a three-movement piece that explores a range of emotions from sentimentality to joviality. It continues with "Danzas de Panama," a vibrant suite inspired by the rhythms and dances of Panama, featuring the energetic "Tamborito" and the soulful "Mejorana."
A highlight of the album is the "Prince and the Mermaid Suite," a four-movement work that tells a whimsical tale through music, from the soothing "Song of the Sea" to the playful "Scherzo." The album also includes "Summerland," a serene piece for string quartet, and selections from "Littler Folk Suites," which draw on African American spirituals and folk tunes, such as the stirring "Wade in the Water" and the lively "Salangadou."
Still's versatility is further showcased in pieces like the pastoral "Pastorela," the bluesy "Blues," and the playful "Quit Dat Fool'nish," a duet for violin and piano. Each track offers a unique glimpse into Still's musical genius, making this album a captivating journey through the sounds and stories of American music.
2013 Fritz P Gearhart2013 Fritz P Gearhart
Tracks
Lyric Quartet: I. The Sentimental OneWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Lyric Quartet: II. The Quiet OneWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Lyric Quartet: III. The Jovial OneWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Danzas de Panama: I. TamboritoWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Danzas de Panama: II. MejoranaWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Danzas de Panama: III. PuntoWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Danzas de Panama: IV. Cumbia y CongoWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Prince and the Mermaid Suite: I. Song of the SeaWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Prince and the Mermaid Suite: II. WaltzWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Prince and the Mermaid Suite: III. MinuetWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Prince and the Mermaid Suite: IV. ScherzoWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Summerland (For String Quartet)William Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Selections from Littler Folk Suites: I. Los IndiosWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Selections from Littler Folk Suites: II. Wade in the WaterWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Selections from Littler Folk Suites: III. SalangadouWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
Selections from Littler Folk Suites: IV. Aurore Pradere and Tant Sirop est DouxWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Kathryn Lucktenberg, Leslie Straka, Steve Pologe
PastorelaWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Victor Steinhardt
BluesWilliam Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Victor Steinhardt
Quit Dat Fool'nish (For Violin and Piano)William Grant Still, Fritz Gearhart, Victor Steinhardt
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