Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative sounds of William Grant Still's "Skyward My People Rose," a captivating album released on August 1, 2010, under the Clarion label. Spanning a concise yet impactful 58 minutes, this album is a testament to Still's mastery of blending traditional and contemporary musical elements, creating a profound and engaging listening experience.
The album opens with the haunting "Wailing Woman," setting a tone of deep emotional resonance that carries through to the familiar yet reimagined "Swanee River (Old Folks at Home)." Still's innovative approach to classic themes is evident in the multi-part suite "And They Lynched Him on a Tree," a powerful exploration of historical and social themes through music.
The second half of the album, "Miss Sally's Party," is a lively and intricate collection of dances that showcase Still's ability to infuse traditional forms with his unique compositional voice. The album concludes with the reflective "Reverie" and the poignant "Elegy," leaving a lasting impression of Still's versatility and depth as a composer.
"Skyward My People Rose" is not just a collection of tracks but a journey through the diverse landscapes of William Grant Still's musical genius. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of one of America's most influential composers.
2010 Clarion2010 (P) Clarion
Tracks
Wailing womanWilliam Grant Still, Yolanda Williams, VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Philip Brunelle
Swanee River (Old Folks at Home)William Grant Still, VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Philip Brunelle
And They Lynched Him on a Tree: No. 1, We've Swung Him HigherWilliam Grant Still, William Warfield, Hilda Harris, Leigh Morris Chorale, VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Philip Brunelle
And They Lynched Him on a Tree: No. 2, Look DereWilliam Grant Still, William Warfield, Hilda Harris, Leigh Morris Chorale, VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Philip Brunelle
And They Lynched Him on a Tree: No. 3, Oh, SorrowWilliam Grant Still, William Warfield, Hilda Harris, Leigh Morris Chorale, VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Philip Brunelle
And They Lynched Him on a Tree: No. 4, He Was Her BabyWilliam Grant Still, William Warfield, Hilda Harris, Leigh Morris Chorale, VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Philip Brunelle
And They Lynched Him on a Tree: No. 5, They Took Away His FreedomWilliam Grant Still, William Warfield, Hilda Harris, Leigh Morris Chorale, VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Philip Brunelle
And They Lynched Him on a Tree: No. 6, They Left Him HangingWilliam Grant Still, William Warfield, Hilda Harris, Leigh Morris Chorale, VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Philip Brunelle
Miss Sally's Party: IntroductionWilliam Grant Still, Philip Brunelle
Miss Sally's Party: The Square DanceWilliam Grant Still, Philip Brunelle
Miss Sally's Party: Tia's DanceWilliam Grant Still, Philip Brunelle
Miss Sally's Party: Toby and Tip's DanceWilliam Grant Still, Philip Brunelle
Miss Sally's Party: The Country DanceWilliam Grant Still, Philip Brunelle
Miss Sally's Party: Miss Sally's DanceWilliam Grant Still, Philip Brunelle
Miss Sally's Party: Jim Slick's DanceWilliam Grant Still, Philip Brunelle
Miss Sally's Party: The Cake Walk ContestWilliam Grant Still, Philip Brunelle
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