Read / Beethoven's 9: A Symphony of Influence

Beethoven’s 9: A Symphony of Influence

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is not only one of the Beethoven’s greatest compositions, but possibly one of the greatest classical music compositions of all time. A piece full of bombastic sounds and joyous energy, it was completely revolutionary for the time. It’s also the first example of a major composer scoring vocal parts in a symphony.

The story goes that, at the premiere of the symphony, either during the second movement or near the end of the finale, the audience erupted into applause. Beethoven, who was still conducting, was turned around by one of the vocalists to accept the cheers from the audience members. The audience took part in a standing ovation, throwing hats and waving hands, so Beethoven (who was profoundly deaf at this point in his life) could understand the celebration of the audience.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 not only impacted the classical music sphere, but pop culture entirely. His symphony has been referenced time and time again, across many forms of media. We’ve complied a list below; see if you can recognize your favorite films or tv shows!

• European Anthem - In 1972, the Council of Europe adopted Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” theme as it’s anthem, and became official in 1985. There are no lyrics to the anthem, as the universal language of music expresses the ideals of freedom, peace, and solidarity.

• Die Hard (1988) - “Ode to Joy” has a surprising feature in the hit 80’s action film (and Christmas movie!) , during the scene in which the building’s vault is broken into. It seems a strange choice for the genre of film, but director John McTiernan wanted to include it as a reference to the following Kubrick film:

• A Clockwork Orange (1971) - Symphony No. 9 is featured in bits and fragments throughout the film, a favorite symphony of the anti-hero protagonist, that is turned against him in the end.

• NBA ‘I Love this Game’ Campaign (1990s) - ‘Ode to Joy’ was featured in NBA’s commercial campaign, serving as a soundtrack to describe all the emotional highs and lows on the court.

• Muppet’s “Ode to Joy” cover - Another fantastic example in the Muppet’s cover repertoire, featuring Beaker on every part.

• The Compact Disc- It was rumored that the CD was specifically designed to accommodate 74 minutes of music so it could accommodate Beethoven’s symphony.

These are just a few of the many examples of Beethoven’s impact. Whether you’re a long time music fan, or just starting to listen, we hope that this list illustrates just how important music can be to all different aspects of culture.

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Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_No._9_(Beethoven)#Influence

• https://www.kdfc.com/articles/the-many-lives-of-beethovens-ninth-symphony

Discovering Dawson's Masterpiece: The Negro Folk Symphony

about the composer

Discovering Dawson’s Masterpiece: The Negro Folk Symphony

William L. Dawson, composer

Born on September 26, 1899, in Anniston, Alabama, William Levi Dawson emerged as a prominent composer, conductor, and educator, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the 20th century. Among his notable works, the Negro Folk Symphony stands as a testament to his artistry and commitment to celebrating Black American musical traditions.

Dawson’s journey in music began at an early age, and he quickly became a skilled trombonist. As a teenager, he ran away from home to pursue a musical education at the Tuskegee Institute, now known as the Tuskegee University. After graduating with honors in 1921, Dawson went on to pursue a Bachelors of Music from Horner Institute of Fine Arts, and a Masters Degree in Composition from the American Conservatory of Music. Dawson’s exposure to the rich heritage of Black American folk music during this time laid the foundation for what would become one of his most celebrated compositions.

After completing his studies, he was given tenure from the Tuskegee Institute, where he conducted the 100-member choir in several nationally recognized broadcasts and performances, including performances at the White House and Constitution Hall. Dawson also went on an international tour with the Tuskegee Choir to the British Isles, Europe, and the Soviet Union under the sponsorship of President Franklin. D. Roosevelt. Beyond his many achievements and honors, Dawson’s symphony is what gave him the most notoriety in the sphere of musical arts.

Composed in 1934, Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony is a groundbreaking work that masterfully blends classical forms with the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Black American folk music. Dawson drew inspiration from spirituals, work songs, and other traditional tunes, infusing the symphony with a unique cultural resonance. In a 1932 interview, Dawson said: “I’ve tried not to imitate Beethoven or Brahms, Franck or Ravel…the finest compliment that could be paid to my symphony when it has its premiere that it unmistakably is not the work of a white man.”  

Negro Folk Symphony had its world premiere on November 14, 1934 by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, under direction of Leopold Stokowski, at Carnegie Hall. It was an instant, but fleeting success at first before falling into obscurity until 18 years later. After a several-week tour in West Africa in 1952, Dawson was inspired to revise his symphony and integrate the unique rhythms and musical experiences from his trip. This revised symphony is what is commonly heard today.

The Negro Folk Symphony not only showcases Dawson's compositional prowess but also serves as a significant cultural statement. It is a shining example of the excellence of Black American musicians and composers, once lost to time, getting the recognition that they deserve in the modern orchestral sphere.  .  In a time when racial inequality and discrimination were pervasive, Dawson's work highlighted the beauty and strength inherent in Black American musical heritage. This symphony has endured as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, continuing to be performed and celebrated by orchestras around the world.

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Listen to Dawson’s Legacy Live!

Come hear William Dawson’s Symphony No. 3 this February 9th & 10th at the Gallo Center for the Arts!

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Learn more about Dawson (Reference):

• Biography. Alabama Music Hall of Fame. (n.d.). https://www.alamhof.org/williamldawson

• Brown, G. K. (n.d.). Negro folk symphony. BSO. 
  https://www.bso.org/works/negro-folk-symphony 

• Schwartz, E. (n.d.). Negro Folk Symphony, William Dawson. LA Phil. https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/pieces/6227/negro-folk-symphony 

• Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, January 5). William L. Dawson (composer). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_L._Dawson_(composer) 

The Perseverance of Florence Price

about the composer

The Perseverance of Florence Price

Florence Price, composer

Florence Beatrice Smith was born on April 9, 1887, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her father was the only African American dentist in the city and her mother was a music teacher, who provided Florence with her earliest musical training. Florence proved to be highly talented, giving her first piano performance at the age of four, and publishing her first composition at the age of 11. In 1902, at the age of 15, she enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and was the only one of 2,000 students to pursue a double major in organ and piano. She graduated with honors four years later with a teaching certificate and an artist diploma in organ performance.

Maude Roberts George, arts administrator

1910 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Florence where she began her teaching career in Atlanta, Georgia before eventually settling in Little Rock after marrying Thomas J. Price and having two children. Increasing racial tensions in the South led the Prices to leave Little Rock and settle north in Chicago. It was here that Florence’s composition career began to take off. In 1928, she published four compositions for piano while studying with Chicago’s leading composition and organ teachers. In 1933, Maude Roberts George, an advocate for the Arts, especially for those underrepresented, paid $250 (the modern-day equivalent of $5,093 ) for Price’s Symphony No. 1 to be performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a part of the Chicago World’s Fair. This made Florence Price the first Black woman to have her music performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Price’s unique style began to appear in 1938 with the completion of her third symphony. In traditional Romantic fashion, Price’s Symphony No. 3 has four movements. From the beginning of the piece, Price’s modernism shines through with a slow introduction that leads into a turbulent main theme. As the second movement starts, the influence of Black music comes front and center as jazz and blues themes take over in the solo trombone. The third movement continues to celebrate the blues, while introducing a Juba, an African American dance style created by those who were enslaved in the Deep South with specific origins being linked to Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a dance involving stomps and claps and eventually influenced future styles of music and dance in popular culture, such as modern tap dancing, and rhythm and blues singers which eventually influenced rock musicians. In the symphony’s final movement, the African American styles and classical music influences collide, providing joyous energy.  

Over her lifetime, Florence Price composed over 300 works in a variety of genres, including symphonies, choral works, pieces for piano and organ, and many others. She passed away in 1953 at the age of 66. In a time when classical music was largely based on European traditional practices, Price’s compositions were distinctly American and celebrations of her heritage that incorporated Black spirituals and folk traditions. Florence Price was a pioneer in classical music not only for her gender but also for her race. Her legacy brought a new narrative and voice forward that was largely overlooked.

Join us as the MSO performs Florence Price’s Symphony No. on May 12 & 13 alongside the monumental Mozart Requiem.

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Listen to Price’s Legacy Live!

Come hear Florence Price’s Symphony No. 3 alongside Mozart’s Requiem, conducted by Anthony Parnther, this May 12th & 13th at the Gallo Center for the Arts!

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Learn more about Price (Reference):

• “Florence Price.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, April 7, 2023. 
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Price#Biography. 

• Ege, Samantha. “Composing a Symphonist: Florence Price and the Hand of Black Women's Fellowship.” Women and Music: A Journal of Gender and Culture. University of Nebraska Press, August 13, 2020. https://muse.jhu.edu/article/762310. 

• “Symphony No. 3 in C Minor (Florence Price).” LA Phil. Accessed April 7, 2023. https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/pieces/6500/symphony-no-3-in-c-minor. 

• “The Story behind: Price's Symphony No.3.” Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. Accessed April 7, 2023. https://www.riphil.org/blog/the-story-behind-price-s-symphony-no-3. 

• “Juba Dance.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, February 14, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juba_dance