The history of classical music is a rich tapestry, made all the more beautiful by the variety of influences woven into it. This month, let’s celebrate the legacies of several remarkable Black composers. You may or may not recognize their names, but you’ve probably been touched by their music.
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799)
A true Renaissance man, Bologne was not only a virtuoso violinist, conductor, composer, and soldier; he was said to be a talented fencer, equestrian, skater, marksman, and dancer. Word has it he was pretty darn good-looking, too. A genius composer who wrote a variety of sonatas, symphonies, concertos, duets, and stage works (even a children’s opera!), he achieved renown in Europe, making him the first classical composer of African descent to do so. But Bologne wasn’t without enemies: His efforts to support abolition made him a target of Britain’s slave cartel. Despite their efforts kill him, it was an infection that ultimately ended his life. Listen to a playlist of his compositions here.
Margaret Bonds (1913-1972)
You may know Bonds best for her mainstream hit, “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hand,” one of many of her spiritual arrangements. First published in 1927, it was covered by Laurie London, Mahalia Jackson, Perry Como, and Nina Simone. While Bonds was drawn to African-American spirituals, she effortlessly crossed over into orchestral music, becoming the first African-American soloist to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. A civil rights activist, Bonds regularly collaborated with noted poet (then friend, and later mentor) Langston Hughes to create music that celebrated African-American culture. Listen to her piece “Credo” here.
William Grant Still (1895-1978)
Called “The Dean of African-American Composers,” Still drew inspiration from African music, African-American musical styles, and the jazz tunes of the Harlem Renaissance. He was best known for the groundbreaking “Áfro-American Symphony,” a work that became the first symphony by an African-American composer to be performed by a major orchestra. He can claim a number of firsts, in fact: He was the first Black composer whose opera was composed by a major company, the first Black conductor of a major orchestra, and the first Black conductor of an orchestra in the Deep South (an accomplishment that no doubt required great courage). A prolific creator during his impressive 50-year career, he composed roughly 200 works, including symphonies, ballets, and operas.