A Pioneering Twentieth Century African-American Musician

Finding scholarly research on the choral music by
significant American composers is limited. Moreover,
finding scholarly resources by significant
African-American composers is more limited. Spiritual
arrangements by well-known African-American composers
had a tremendous impact upon the cultural development
of African-Americans in North America. Equally, but
not always noted, are the contributions by
African-American composers of the western European
tradition. The purpose of this book is three-fold: 1)
to provide a scholarly resource devoted to the
musical contributions of Pulitzer Prize winner George
Walker; 2) to present his choral works in the form of
a descriptive analysis; and 3) to provide a summary
of his career as a performer, conductor, teacher, and
composer. Chapter One introduces the composer and
briefly discusses the need for continued research in
this area. Chapter Two provides a Black perspective
on twentieth century classical music. Chapter Three
explores Walker s life. Chapters Four and Five are
devoted to the musical analysis of his choral works.
Chapter Six summarizes and reflects upon the life,
choral works, and accomplishments of George Walker.

Autorentext

Jeffery L. Ames is currently the Director of Choral Activities at
Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He holds a Ph.D. in
Choral Conducting/Music Education and Masters of Music Education
from The Florida State University College of Music and a Bachelor
of Music degree from James Madison University.

Klappentext

Finding scholarly research on the choral music by
significant American composers is limited. Moreover,
finding scholarly resources by significant
African-American composers is more limited. Spiritual
arrangements by well-known African-American composers
had a tremendous impact upon the cultural development
of African-Americans in North America. Equally, but
not always noted, are the contributions by
African-American composers of the western European
tradition. The purpose of this book is three-fold: 1)
to provide a scholarly resource devoted to the
musical contributions of Pulitzer Prize winner George
Walker; 2) to present his choral works in the form of
a descriptive analysis; and 3) to provide a summary
of his career as a performer, conductor, teacher, and
composer. Chapter One introduces the composer and
briefly discusses the need for continued research in
this area. Chapter Two provides a Black perspective
on twentieth century classical music. Chapter Three
explores Walker's life. Chapters Four and Five are
devoted to the musical analysis of his choral works.
Chapter Six summarizes and reflects upon the life,
choral works, and accomplishments of George Walker.