Still: A Collection of Songs & Piano Music

William Grant Still (1895-1978) from Little Rock was a pioneer in many ways. He was the first African American to successfully depart from the generally acceptable genres of jazz and pop. He lived to see a symphonic work and an opera of his performed, he conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic and directed an important Southern orchestra. The respect that he acquired is reflected in two Guggenheim fellowships and five honorary doctorates, as well as a growing number of top-quality recordings of his works. This album is dedicated to the composer's impressive art songs. Two dozen works, including simple spirituals, expansive, declamatory and captivating scenes, touching miniatures and provocative challenges paint a portrait of a self-assured man asserting his musical authority.

1    Rising Tide
2    Songs of Separation~Idolatry
3    Songs of Separation~Poème
4    Songs of Separation~Parted
5    Songs of Separation~If you should go
6    Songs of Separation~A Black Pierrot
7    Arkansas
8    All that I am
9    Here's One
10    Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass
11    From the Hearts of Women~Little Mother
12    From the Hearts of Women~Midtide
13    From the Hearts of Women~Coquette
14    From the Hearts of Women~Bereft
15    Mississippi
16    Citadel
17    Grief (Weeping Angel)
18    5 Preludes~Prelude
19    Dance of the Porteuses
20    Swanee River
21    My Brother American
22    Up There
23    Bayou Home
24    Song for the Valiant
25    Song for the Lonely
26    Breath of a Rose
27    Plain-Chant for America