The music of William Grant Still has seen an increase of attention in recent times, and this album of world-premiere recordings from the mother-daughter duo of violinist Zina Schiff and conductor Avlana Eisenberg, leading the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, is a welcome addition. Much of the world in which Still composed this music was unwelcoming for African-Americans, and it is a testament to his brilliance that he was as successful during his life as he was, earning Guggenheim and Rosenwald Fellowships as well as ...
Read More
The music of William Grant Still has seen an increase of attention in recent times, and this album of world-premiere recordings from the mother-daughter duo of violinist Zina Schiff and conductor Avlana Eisenberg, leading the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, is a welcome addition. Much of the world in which Still composed this music was unwelcoming for African-Americans, and it is a testament to his brilliance that he was as successful during his life as he was, earning Guggenheim and Rosenwald Fellowships as well as honorary doctorates from eight schools. Still was active as a performer and arranger, and his catalog of original compositions number nearly 200 items, including music for film and television, nine operas, and five symphonies, the first of which, the Afro-American Symphony, was the most performed symphony by an American composer for two decades. Still's music evokes the melting pot that makes up the American experience, incorporating sounds and textures from many genres, including blues,...
Read Less
