For the month of February, the Classics a Day team once again chose Black History Month as the theme. Composers of color have made significant contributions to classical music throughout history.

And there’s a lot of great music still awaiting discovery. Here are my posts for #ClassicaDay for the fourth and final week of #BlackHistoryMonth.

02/20/23 José Maurício Nunes Garcia: Requiem

Brazilian composer Garcia was the son of mulattos. He joined the priesthood and was appointed master of the Royal Chapel by King John VI of Portugal. His music combines the classicism of Mozart with Brazilian music.

02/21/23 Hall Johnson: Oh, Glory

Johnson was originally trained as a classical violinist and composer. He became interested in spirituals and formed the Hall Johnson Choir. Johnson and the choir were featured in at least four films.

02/22/23 Ulysses Simpson Kay: Bassoon Sonata

Kay was the nephew of King Oliver. He studied with Howard Hanson, and later with Pual Hindemith. His bassoon sonata was written while working with Hindemieht at the Berkshire Music Center.

02/23/22 Arthur Cunningham: This by dying

Cunningham wrote for many genres, including military bands, TV shows, and educational works. He’s credited with anticipating the rock opera genre.

02/24/22 Howard Swanson: Concerto for Orchestra

Swanson studied with Nadia Boulanger. This work was commissioned by the Louisville Orchestra, and premiered by them in 1957.

Next Month:

Tags: #BlackHistoryMonth, #ClassicsaDay, Arthur Cunningham, Classical music, Hall Johnson, Hose Mauricio Nunes Garcia, Howard Swanson, Twitter, Ulysses Kay