Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "Twenty-Four Negro Melodies," a classical masterpiece released on May 1, 2007, by Albany Records. This extraordinary album spans a generous 90 minutes, offering a profound exploration of melodies from diverse regions including Southeast Africa, South Africa, West Africa, the West Indies, and America. Coleridge-Taylor, a composer of mixed British and Sierra Leonean heritage, crafted these pieces with a deep appreciation for the spirituals and folk songs that resonate with the African diaspora.
The album begins with the hauntingly beautiful "At the Dawn of Day" from Southeast Africa and journeys through powerful tracks like "Warriors' Song" from South Africa and "The Bamboula" from the West Indies. American spirituals such as "Deep River," "Steal Away," and "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" are rendered with a poignant sensitivity that captures the essence of these timeless songs. Each melody is a testament to Coleridge-Taylor's ability to blend classical composition with the raw, emotional power of African and African-American musical traditions.
"Twenty-Four Negro Melodies" is not just a collection of songs; it is a historical and cultural treasure trove that highlights the universal language of music. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's work remains a significant contribution to the classical repertoire, celebrated for its depth, beauty, and cultural resonance. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling and enriching listening experience.
(C) 2007 Albany Records(P) 2007 Albany Records
Tracks
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: Southeast Africa - At the Dawn of DaySamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: Southeast Africa - The Stones are very HardSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: Southeast Africa - Take NabandjiSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: Southeast Africa - They Will Not Lend me a ChildSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: South Africa - Song of ConquestSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: South Africa - Warriors' SongSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: West Africa - O Lo BaSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: West Indies - The BamboulaSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - The Angels Changed My NameSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Deep RiverSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Don't Be Weary, TravelerSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Going UpSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - I'm Troubled in MindSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - I Was Way Down A-YonderSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Let Us Cheer the Weary TravelerSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Many Thousand GoneSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - My Lord Delivered DanielSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Oh, He Raise a Poor LazarusSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Pilgrim's SongSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Run, Mary, RunSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless ChildSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Steal AwaySamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk
Twenty-Four Negro Melodies: America - Wade in the WaterSamuel Coleridge-Taylor, David Shaffer-Gottschalk