91Èȱ¬

Donald Macleod and musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege continue Margaret Bonds' story, as she works with a pioneer diva, and composes a powerful piece inspired by the civil rights movement.

Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period.

In this fourth programme, Margaret Bonds establishes her career in New York with great success, spending every spare moment writing music. But at a time of high racial and social tension, the fight for equality inspires Bonds to compose her orchestral masterpiece.

Trad, arr Bonds: Joshua Fit da Battle of Jericho (arr for voice and chamber ensemble by P. Spray)
Michael Walker II, countertenor
Alchemy Viols
Philip Spray, director

Trad, arr Bonds: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free
Leontyne Price, soprano
Rust College Choir
Lassaye Van Buren Holmes, chorus master

Trad, arr Bonds: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Leontyne Price, soprano
Studio Orchestra
Leonard de Paur, conductor

Trad: Wade in the Water
Fisk Jubilee Singers

Spiritual Suite; No 3, Troubled Water
Samantha Ege, piano

Montgomery Variations
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Kellen Gray, conductor

Fugal Dance
Althea Waites, piano

Produced by Julien Rosa
A 91Èȱ¬ Audio Wales & West production for 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3