Florence B. Price (1887–1953), an African American composer of the early 20th century, emerged as a pioneering figure in classical music. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Price became the first African American woman to have her symphony performed by a major American orchestra. Trained at the New England Conservatory of Music, Price’s career was marked by a fusion of African American and European classical traditions. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, she contributed significantly to the American classical music landscape, leaving behind a substantial body of work that includes symphonies, chamber music, and compositions like “Silk Hat and Walking Cane.”
“Silk Hat and Walking Cane (Dances in the Canebrakes)” is a vibrant orchestral suite that encapsulates Florence Price’s distinctive musical voice. Composed in the 1950s, the work draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the American South. In this composition, Price skillfully blends syncopated rhythms, blues-infused melodies, and evocative orchestration, offering a musical narrative that reflects the essence of Southern folk traditions.
Composer biography:
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