10 Essential Classical Works by Black Composers
(to Add to Your Playlist)
For centuries, Black composers have shaped classical music, infusing it with cultural heritage, lived experiences, and groundbreaking innovation. This list highlights 10 essential works—spanning historical and contemporary compositions—that deserve a place on every classical music playlist. While the playlist only highlights a microscopic fraction of the vast contributions of Black composers, we hope it deepens your appreciation for beloved classics, while introducing you to new favorites along the way!
“Symphony No. 1 in E Minor” composed by Florence Price
Performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony No. 1 in E Minor is a monumental work that blends classical traditions with African American musical idioms, this symphony expresses Price's unique voice, rich with lush harmonies and vibrant rhythms.
“Afro-American Symphony” composed by William Grant Still
Known as the first symphony by a Black composer to be performed by a major American orchestra, this piece, performed by the New York Philharmonic, infuses elements of jazz and blues into a traditional symphonic form, reflecting the African American experience.
“Maple Leaf Rag” composed by Scott Joplin
This iconic ragtime piece, performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, captures the exuberant, syncopated rhythms of the early 20th century, showcasing Joplin's genius at combining lively melodies with complex rhythms.
"Ballade for Orchestra" composed by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
This dramatic work, brought to life by the Minnesota Orchestra, showcases Coleridge-Taylor’s mastery of orchestration, blending lush, sweeping melodies with an intensity that evokes a powerful narrative.
"Lyric for Strings" composed by George Walker
Performed by our very own Haven String Quartet, "Lyric for Strings" (composed by George Walker) is a deeply expressive and poignant work, originally composed as the second movement of his String Quartet No. 1 in 1946. Dedicated to the memory of his grandmother, the piece carries a rich emotional depth, blending lyrical melodies with lush harmonies that evoke a sense of longing and reflection.
"Symphony No. II - The Faithful Friend: The Lover Friend’s Love for the Beloved" composed by Julius Eastman
The BBC Symphony Orchestra captures Eastman’s distinctive fusion of minimalism and deep emotional expression, weaving repetition and contrast into a powerful exploration of love and loyalty, enriched by bold harmonic textures.
"Strum" composed by Jessie Montgomery
The Reno Chamber Orchestra performs “Strum,” a vibrant and rhythmic work that uses the strings in unconventional ways, evoking the sounds of a guitar while exploring the energy of strumming and plucking.
"For a Younger Self" composed by Kris Bowers
Composed by the musical mind behind Netflix’s Bridgerton soundtrack, this tender and reflective piece evokes nostalgia through lush melodies and intricate orchestration, capturing the essence of youthful hope and longing. Performed by the American Youth Symphony.
"The Inner Voice" composed by The String Queens
A soulful and introspective composition by The String Queens, "The Inner Voice" brings out the deep emotional resonance of the string ensemble, blending classical technique with modern sensibilities.
"Evolution" composed by Edward W. Hardy
In “Evolution," Hardy instantly captures our attention with a goosebump-inducing rendition of the hymnal, "Wade in the Water," as he seamlessly transitions us through the progression of African American music over the centuries.