William Levi Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony (1934)

Composer: William Levi Dawson (September 26, 1899 -- May 2, 1990) was an African-American composer, choir director and professor.
Composition: Negro Folk Symphony (1934)
I. The Bond of Africa
II. Hope in the Night
III. O Let Me Shine!
Orchestra: The American Symphony Orchestra, Leopold Stokowski conductor
Cover Art:
1a. Bond of Arfica: African Elephants
1b. African Sunset by Abglanz
2 Hope in the Night: African Night Jungle Landscape by Abhidhanbad
3 O Let Me Shine!...African Sunset

[@kimberlyknighton5071]

This is an amazing piece. It could be a film score. Glad to hear his music.

[@robt0007]

I agree. This is an amazing symphony. One of America's best.

[@SacredComposer]

I wholeheartedly agree. It is important for the upcoming generations to learn of these styles of music which have been created, partly for historical and cultural awareness but more so for them to use these in films, television and theatrical productions.

[@johnoldland7841]

Symphonies are not written to accompany films or TV !

[@paulheffron4836]

This and the music of Florence Price are neglected. I'm listening to their music while reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe and it's sort of like a film score as you suggest.

[@paulharmon557]

​@@paulheffron4836 Thankfully discovered Florence Price right here on TH-cam. Was moved to tears by her 3rd Symphony. But also for the tragedy of the neglect her works have suffered.

[@marcustorquatus]

Magnifique symphonie. Et aussi une merveilleuse découverte pour moi.

[@jslasher1]

Love this symphony. Very underrated.

[@sapereaude3748]

Why is it that Dawson and Still seem lost to the concert stage? Almost all of their music offers a wealth of melody and place.

[@dancingamoeba]

theamericanscholar.org/new-world-prophecy/#.XbcVlpNKjow

[@windstorm1000]

Agreed! Enough if Mozart. I want to hear these composers

[@brblack2007]

@bhines195 All of their music is designed for the stage.

[@984francis]

@bhines195 Most likely so.

[@robertridley9279]

My guess is that it's because you never see any black conductors. White people most likely have never heard of either composer

[@josephcarlbreil5380]

I've always had a particular fondness for this work. Leopold Stokowski recorded a committed performance for American Decca Records a long time ago.

[@rudolphkopp9902]

@@milesdavisahead But this is "Leopold's" style. You've misspelt his name.

[@bbrosser694]

Oh so lovely, and full of spirit that belongs to yesterday and today!

[@chrispc]

Thanks for uploading this! Great symphony and fantastic performance. Anybody know if this is a recording of the revised version from 1952? Since the American Symphony Orchestra was founded 1962 (so this recording was made in 1962 or later), I assume it is, but you now what they say about assuming. :-)

[@maria-rosagermain4836]

This composer understands the instruments of the symphony and orchestration like few others. I hear so many influences such as Mahler and Dvorak, jazz. Not knowing who he was at first hearing I thought it could be Bernstein! Did they know each other? Did he know Aaron Copland?

[@robt0007]

Thank you for your insightful comments. Yes, Dvorak was a major influence; but, at the time this symphony was composed, Aaron Copland was not considered among the top rank of American composers.

[@rudolphkopp9902]

Of course, he know Aaron Copland. As for Copland 'not being a top-rank composer' I do beg to differ.

[@amathesaxylady]

@@rudolphkopp9902 He said at the time of this symphony being composed. Copeland was I would say was more recognised later.

[@rudolphkopp9902]

@@amathesaxylady There is NO 'e' in Copland!

[@amathesaxylady]

@@rudolphkopp9902 yeah I know, thanks!

[@lunnouxhinds8464]

Found another.
This is Fantastic. Omg I just love it
.

[@MrInterestingthings]

What year Stokowsky conduct this .He might be a termagant on the stage but he recognized great composers no matter nationality and color : his heart was in the right place .I must get a bio about him He knew everyone married Olga Samarowsky then Gloria Vanderbilt that in itself was an accomplishment recorded with the best even Rachmaninoff's most famous piece the Variations on Paganini !

[@thebes50]

I have not heard this in years. A true masterpiece! Thank you for posting.

[@Enbaros]

Amazing piece,

[@dameinoferrall2400]

extraordinary!

[@fredbouchard9967]

wise and gentle...

[@edwconr]

Wonderful! Thanks for posting.

[@groovysteroids7945]

FWEQUEE! Thanks for the repost!

[@jackwilmoresongs]

It would have been nice if William Levi Dawson had written more orchestral music IMO.

[@milesdavisahead]

Thing is he died in 1990. He could have written movie.

[@johnoldland7841]

He was 91 at the time . Not sure why he wrote so little

[@ottoman9029]

wow.

[@claudej.smithsr.4548]

I am a 78 year old Man of color and I am just now hearing about this wonderful musical piece. If you can find more of his material, I would be forever grateful. Yours C J Corley Smith

[@peopleskingdomofwolcottia]

Virgin hip hop vs chad African-American culture

[@cybersouljah2266]

best -lilskrrby