String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor — Florence Price (performed by Maria Ioudenitch, Grant Houston, Sarah Darling and Francesca McNeely of the New England Conservatory)
One of the very late to the party listeners finally clued into what a great composer Florence Price was. Very inspirational. And this String Quartet is really beautiful, with an elegant, romantic ethos. I think it’s simply magical! I hope someone does classical guitar transcriptions of some of her work.
Four Seasonal Sketches — Betty Jackson King (performed by Samantha Ege)
Oh my goodness! This is incredibly beautiful! Another composer for the piano I DEFINITELY want to play one day. If I ever get to the stage of diploma recitals for piano (I try not to think TOO MUCH about this given that I am working towards a Grade 2 and don’t want to disappoint myself), consider this on my wish-list for a programme. It will go nicely with all the Debussy and Ravel I plan to play. 😎 Also, Dr. Samantha Ege is a queen! Amazing pianist.
Spiritual Suite — Margaret Bonds (performed by Samantha Ege)
A Short Piece For Orchestra — Julia Perry (Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Susanna Mälkki – conductor)
Homunculus, C.F., for 10 percussionists — Julia Perry (performed by The Manhattan Percussion Ensemble, Director: Paul Price)