Black Classical Soundtrack

An interdisciplinary music series that celebrates the work of black classical composers through forms of nostalgic black media.

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Chevalier de Saint George’s L’amant Anonyme: ContredansePerformed by Jeanne Lamon and the Tafelmusik Baroque OrchestraThe Best Man (1999) - Everyone dances to the electric slide at Lance and Mia’s wedding.

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Ulysses Kay’s “The Quiet One”: Joys and Fears

Performed by Kevin Scott and the Metropolitan Philharmonic

Friday (1995) - Craig fights Deebo and wins.

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Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown, and Beige: Brown (arr. M. Peress for Orchestra)Performed by JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic OrchestraSchool Daze (1988) - Dap wakes everyone up—literally and figuratively—on campus to alert them to the conflicts they are facing.

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Nathaniel Dett’s Enchantment: II. Song of the ShrinePerformed by Clipper EricksonPurple Rain (1984) - Prince performs Purple Rain.

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Arthur Cunningham’s Harlem Suite - 1970: Tuesday: Pataditas - ‘Little Kicks’

Performed by John Ellis

Crooklyn (1994) - Troy pours hot water on her annoying neighbor Greg.

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Alvin Singleton’s After Fallen Crumbs

Performed by Louis Lane and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Belly (1998) - Tommy and his friends wake Keisha up

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Mary Watkin’s Five Moments in Color: Once Upon a TimePerformed by Leslie Dunner and the New Black Music Repertory EnsembleDaughters of the Dust (1991) - Nana Peazant recalls a spiritual ritual when telling Eli to cherish and value the memories of his ancestors.

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Gregory Walker’s Piano concerto: III. quarter note = 120Performed by Paul Freeman and the Detroit Symphony OrchestraShaft (1971) - Shaft fights two gangsters in his office.

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William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony - II. Hope in the NightPerformed by Neeme Järvi and the Detroit Symphony OrchestraComing to America (1988) - Prince Akeem is treated to a dance from the royal court before meeting his bride-to-be Imani Izzi.

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Michael Abels Winged CreaturesPerformed by Demarre and Anthony McGill and Alan Tinkman andthe Chicago Youth Symphony OrchestraThe Color Purple (1985) - Shug and Celie walk through a field of purple flowers.

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Francis Johnson’s The Princeton Grand MarchPerformed by Matthew Phillips and Symphony Orchestra of AmericaMalcom X (1992)- A young Malcolm goes out on the town with his friend Shorty.

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Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s 24 Negro Melodies, Let Us Cheer the Weary TravellerPerformed by Frances WalkerLean On Me (1989) - Principal Clark is amazed when he hears a group of troubled students sing the high school song on demand.

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George Walker’s Piano Concerto - II. quarter note = 63Performed by Natalie Hinderas and Paul Freeman and the Detroit SymphonyEve’s Bayou (1997) - Cisley worries her mother and disobeys her by leaving the house to go the beauty parlor.

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Fela Sowande’s African Suite: V. AkinlaPerformed by Paul Freeman and the London Symphony OrchestraCarmen (1954) - Carmen’s friend Frankie is moved by the music she hears in the club.

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Nathaniel Dett’s Magnolia Suite, Part 1: III. My Lady LovePerformed by Clipper EricksonPootie Tang (2001) - Biggie Shorty invites Pootie Tang to a party.

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William Grant Still’s Ennanga: II.Performed by VidemusLove Jones (1997) - Darius reads his poem to Nina.

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Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 3, No. 1: III. Rondeau

Performed by Qian Zhou and Kevin Mallon and the Toronto Camerata

Boomerang (1992) - Marcus’s guests enjoy Thanksgiving dinner while Gerard’s parents share embarrassing stories.