William Grant Still

Videmus William Grant Still (1895-1978) has often been termed the patriarchal figure in Black music and was the first African-American composer to secure extensive publication and significant performances. His works represent the culmination of of musical aspirations of the Harlem Renaissance, in that they elevated “folkloric” materials. This collection includes several of his most important chamber compositions, among them Songs of Separation and Lift Every Voice and Sing. Lift Every Voice and Sing was composed as a patriotic song for a Lincoln commemoration in 1889 by J. Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), based on a text by his brother, James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938). It was quickly accepted as an anthem by Afro-Americans and has been arranged by many composers, although this setting by Still is not widely known.