Melanated Moments in Classical Music
Classical Music Indy
Melanated Moments in Classical Music is a podcast produced by Classical Music Indy that shines a spotlight on musical works composed by, for, and about people of color. Melanated Moments is hosted by international opera soprano Angela Brown and music sociologist Joshua Thompson. For some listeners, Melanated Moments will uncover a hidden trove of classical music they never knew existed. For those with a deep knowledge of the genre, stories reflecting the cultural context of the African Diaspora will give a fresh voice to black contributions in the world of classical music.
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Top 10 Melanated Moments in Classical Music Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Melanated Moments in Classical Music episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Melanated Moments in Classical Music for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Melanated Moments in Classical Music episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Spirituals Guru - Moses Hogan
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
03/31/21 • 22 min
Angela and Joshua discuss the short but immensely impactful life of Moses Hogan and his contributions to music through making spirituals a standard part of choral repertoires.
Featured Music:
"Elijah Rock" arranged by Moses Hogan
"Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" arranged by Moses Hogan
"I'm Gonna Sing 'Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart" arranged by Moses Hogan
A Circus Act No Longer – Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
04/08/20 • 12 min
Our featured composer in this episode, Thomas Wiggins, is one of the most talented musicians of all time...who also happened to be non-verbal, blind, and born into slavery. Joshua tells us how in his own time, Wiggins was portrayed as a circus act rather than a musical genius but is now starting to get the recognition he has long deserved.
Featured Music:
"Battle of Manassas" by Thomas Wiggins
CAAPA's Melanated Mission: Bringing Color to the Classics
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
12/07/22 • 46 min
Angela and Joshua cap Season Five with Terri Allen, Executive Director of the Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA). From humble origins to a nationally respected model, Terri details the 20-year journey of CAAPA's intentional strategies for leveling the playing field in the world of classical music. CAAPA's dedication to providing scholarships for burgeoning Black classical musicians and unwavering commitment to arts education at all talent levels exemplify the power of programming to create opportunities for real change in the performing arts.
Featured Music:
"Porgy and Bess," feat. soprano Angela Brown and baritone Kenneth Overton
"Habanera," from Carmen, feat. mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges
Leontyne Price: America’s Leading Lady in Opera
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
03/23/22 • 29 min
Joshua and Angela salute the illustrious career of opera soprano Leontyne Price. We hear three signature selections by Ms. Price and learn of her journey from Laurel, Mississippi, to capturing the attention and admiration of the world for her unparalleled vocal prowess and artistry. She remains a standard-bearer for opera singers globally.
Featured Music:
"Summertime" from Porgy and Bess, performed by Leontyne Price
"O patria mia" from Aida, performed by Leontyne Price and The Metropolitan Opera
"This Little Light of Mine" by Margaret Bonds, performed by Leontyne Price
On Creation, Culture, and Connection with James Lee III
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
03/16/22 • 37 min
Angela and Joshua introduce and interview composer James Lee III. Lee gives us a peek into his composing process, deeply rooted in his fascination with and inspiration from his cross-cultural and musical background. Listeners are treated to three exquisite compositions that indicate why Lee is prized and in constant demand for his musical imagination and socio-historical significance.
Featured Music:
"Sonata for Violin and Piano"
"Niiji Memories," performed by the Columbia Orchestra, featuring flutist Julietta Curenton, conducted by Jason Love
"Beyond Rivers of Vision," performed by the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Scott Yoo
In the Bottoms: The True Song of the South - Robert Dett
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
04/21/21 • 25 min
Joshua introduces Robert Nathaniel Dett, a quintessential Diasporic composer who blended African-American folk music traditions with classic European musical styles to create masterful and unique compositions. A performance by William Chapman Nyaho of Robert Nathaniel Dett's piano suite, In the Bottoms, is showcased to illustrate Robert Nathaniel Dett's prowess as a musical scenescape painter.
Featured Music:
"In the Bottoms" by Robert Nathaniel Dett, performed by William Chapman Nyaho
Variations on Vodou - Ric’key Pageot
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
04/14/21 • 28 min
Joshua and Angela welcome acclaimed and multifaceted performer Ric’key Pageot to the show. He speaks about his recent journey to explore his Haitian heritage and discover an impressive trove of classical music inspired by a legacy of Vodou and revolution. They discuss an amazing piece by Haitian-born composer Carmen Brouard entitled Baron la Croix.
Featured Music:
"Baron la Croix" by Carmen Brouard, performed by Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
The Dean - William Grant Still
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
03/18/20 • 14 min
On our debut episode of Melanated Moments in Classical Music, Joshua introduces us to one of his favorite composers, William Grant Still. Known as the Dean of African American Composers, his Africa Suite transports the listener to the dawn of time and the cradle of civilization. Joshua and Angela discuss the piece’s second movement, Land of Romance as well as cartoons, relationships, and defying stereotypes.
Featured Music:
"Africa II: Land of Romance" by William Grant Still
Swinging the Classics with Hazel Scott
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
03/22/23 • 23 min
This week’s episode features Hazel Scott, a child prodigy, piano virtuoso, and one of the most outspoken civil rights activists of the mid-20th century in the entertainment industry. Whether playing the classics on the nose or employing her fiery fingers to fuse jazz and classical music, Hazel Scott was as unapologetic in her talents as she was in her commitment to changing the way Black actors were portrayed on film and television which ultimately led to the demise of her short but illustrious career.
Featured Music:
"Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" by Franz Liszt, arranged and performed by Hazel Scott
"Fantaisie-Impromptu Op. 66" by Frederic Chopin, performed by Hazel Scott
"A Foggy Day," performed by pianist/vocalist Hazel Scott, bassist Charles Mingus, and percussionist Rudy Nichols
Recap Pt. 2: Melanated Moments in Classical Music
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
11/15/23 • 57 min
Featuring some of the world's most talented and innovative Black composers and musicians from seasons 4 through 7, Melanated Moments in Classical Music wraps up its comprehensive recap. Joshua and Angela discuss the themes and trends that emerged in these seasons and reflect on Melanated Moments' impact on the classical music world. Both retrospective episodes encourage reflection on the progress that has been made in promoting diversity and inclusion in classical music while acknowledging challenges and barriers that remain.
What a journey it has been...as always, we thank you for your support all along the way!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Melanated Moments in Classical Music have?
Melanated Moments in Classical Music currently has 59 episodes available.
What topics does Melanated Moments in Classical Music cover?
The podcast is about Culture, Beer, Indianapolis, Art, Interview, Classical, Music, Podcasts, Wine, Arts, Music Interviews, Musician and Indiana.
What is the most popular episode on Melanated Moments in Classical Music?
The episode title 'Recap Pt. 1: Melanated Moments in Classical Music' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Melanated Moments in Classical Music?
The average episode length on Melanated Moments in Classical Music is 30 minutes.
How often are episodes of Melanated Moments in Classical Music released?
Episodes of Melanated Moments in Classical Music are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Melanated Moments in Classical Music?
The first episode of Melanated Moments in Classical Music was released on Mar 11, 2020.
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