18 episodes
Melanated Moments in Classical Music Classical Music Indy
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- Arts
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5.0 • 17 Ratings
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Melanated Moments in Classical Music is a new podcast that shines a spotlight on musical works composed by, for, and about people of color. Melanated Moments is hosted by international opera soprano Angela Brown and music sociologist Joshua Thompson. For some listeners, Melanated Moments will uncover a hidden trove of classical music they never knew existed. For those with a deep knowledge of the genre, stories reflecting the cultural context of the African Diaspora will give a fresh voice to black contributions in the world of classical music.
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Performance as Preservation - Dr. Everett McCorvey
Angela and Joshua explore the depths of the American Negro Spiritual with Dr. Everett McCorvey, noted tenor, conductor, and founder of the American Spiritual Ensemble. They explain how the American Negro Spiritual differs from gospel, its foundational relationship to American music, and how the art form transcended from the cotton fields to concert halls around the world.
Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/) -
In the Bottoms: The True Song of the South - Robert Dett
Joshua introduces Robert Nathaniel Dett, a quintessential Diasporic composer who blended African-American folk music traditions with classic European musical styles to create masterful and unique compositions. A performance by William Chapman Nyaho of Robert Nathaniel Dett's piano suite, In the Bottoms, is showcased to illustrate Robert Nathaniel Dett's prowess as a musical scenescape painter.
Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/) -
Variations on Vodou - Ric’key Pageot
Joshua and Angela welcome acclaimed and multifaceted performer Ric’key Pageot to the show. He speaks about his recent journey to explore his Haitian heritage and discovering an impressive trove of classical music inspired from a legacy of Vodou and revolution. They discuss an amazing piece by Haitian born composer Carmen Brouard entitled Baron la Croix.
Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/) -
The Accidental Activist - Marian Anderson
On this episode, Angela enlightens us about a performer she refers to as an “accidental activist.” Marian Anderson was an amazing and groundbreaking performer who used her talents to blaze a trail and help move our country and our world toward a more equitable future.
Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/) -
The Spirituals Guru - Moses Hogan
Angela and Joshua discuss the short but immensely impactful life of Moses Hogan and his contributions to music through making spirituals a standard part of choral repertoires.
Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/) -
Middle Passage Maestro - Ignatius Sancho
Joshua and Angela reflect on the amazing life and music of Ignatius Sancho, who was born on a slave ship and orphaned shortly thereafter. Through dedication and application, he was able to escape the institution of slavery and make a huge contribution to the arts, including many great classical compositions.
Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)
Customer Reviews
Fun, relevant, and digestible
Really enjoying this podcast so far, especially how current and relevant it is. Classical music often evokes thoughts of long dead composers, but here we are reminded the classical music is not only diverse, but current. And of course, it is a treat to hear and learn about composers of color in the classical space. I love the pace and timing of the show as well.