Florence Beatrice Price, a pioneering composer who broke barriers as the first African American woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra, presents a profound and powerful collection with her Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3. Released on Deutsche Grammophon (DG) on September 24, 2021, this album offers a captivating journey through two of Price's most significant orchestral works, each revealing her unique blend of European classical traditions and African American spirituals and folk music.
The album opens with Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, a four-movement piece that showcases Price's ability to craft intricate, emotionally resonant compositions. The first movement, "Allegro ma non troppo," sets the stage with a dramatic and intense opening, while the second movement, "Largo, maestoso," offers a moment of solemn reflection. The third movement, "Juba Dance. Allegro," introduces a lively, rhythmic energy, and the finale, "Presto," brings the symphony to a thrilling close.
The second half of the album features Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, another four-movement work that demonstrates Price's evolving compositional style. The first movement, "Andante – Allegro," begins with a slow, contemplative introduction before launching into a lively allegro. The second movement, "Andante ma non troppo," provides a gentle, lyrical interlude, while the third movement, "Juba. Allegro," returns to the energetic dance rhythms that Price often incorporated into her music. The album concludes with the fourth movement, "Scherzo. Finale. Allegro," a dynamic and exhilarating conclusion to this remarkable collection.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes, Florence Price: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3 is a testament to the composer's enduring legacy and her significant contributions to the classical music canon. This album is a celebration of Price's innovative spirit and her ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
