Licensing In 1931 Still's Symphony 1 Analysis

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Recommended: History of African Music

Premiering in 1931, Still’s Symphony No. 1 was the first African-American composed symphony. The tone poem expresses the African-American experience from slavery to triumph. The first movement, Moderato assai (“Longing”), is in A-flat and features a classic blues twelve-bar pattern. The second movement, Adagio (“Sorrow”) in F major, sounds more spiritual, but continues the blues theme. The third movement, Animato (“Humor”) in A-flat, has two themes and two variations. In this scherzo movement we hear similarities to “I’ve Got Rhythm”. The final movement, Lento con risoluzione (“Aspiration”) in F minor, creates the idea of African-American triumph and pride by utilizing the entire orchestra, which includes, horns, woodwinds, strings, and percussions.

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