Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of African and African-American musical heritage with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "Twenty-Four Negro Melodies." This captivating collection, released in 2007 by Albany Records, is a testament to the British composer's deep connection to his African roots and his profound influence on classical music. Born to an English mother and a Sierra Leonean father, Coleridge-Taylor's unique perspective shines through in this op. 59 masterpiece, divided into sections that explore the musical traditions of Southeast Africa, South Africa, West Africa, the West Indies, and America.
Spanning a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this two-disc album features 24 tracks performed by the talented pianist David Shaffer-Gottschalk. Each melody is a window into the soul of a different region, offering a glimpse into the diverse musical landscapes that shaped the African diaspora. From the hauntingly beautiful "Deep River" to the energetic "The Bamboula," Coleridge-Taylor's compositions are a celebration of the resilience, spirit, and cultural richness of the African and African-American experience.
"Twenty-Four Negro Melodies" is not just an album; it's a journey through time and space, a musical exploration of the African diaspora that transcends borders and generations. Coleridge-Taylor's work is a powerful reminder of the universal language of music and its ability to bridge cultural divides. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply curious about the rich tapestry of African and African-American musical traditions, this album is a must-listen.
(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