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
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
A Classical Case Study in Identity – Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones presents Florence Price
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
09/29/21 • 43 min
Joshua and Angela welcome the distinguished ethnomusicologist Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones to discuss one of the most important women composers of all time, Florence Price. An authority on Price, Dr. Jones tells of Price's groundbreaking career path that dispelled the overwhelming barriers to a Black female composing music.
Featured Music:
"Fantasie Negre" performed by Samantha Ege
"Feet o' Jesus" performed by Dr. Ollie Watts Davis
"My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord" performed by Leontyne Price
The Accidental Activist - Marian Anderson
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
04/07/21 • 31 min
In this episode, Angela enlightens us about a performer she refers to as an “accidental activist.” Marian Anderson was an amazing and groundbreaking performer who used her talents to blaze a trail and help move our country and world toward a more equitable future.
Featured Music:
"My Country 'Tis of Thee (hymn)" performed by Marian Anderson
"Deep River" by Harry Burleigh, performed by Marian Anderson
"Ave Maria" by Charles Gounod, performed by Marian Anderson
Middle Passage Maestro - Ignatius Sancho
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
03/24/21 • 18 min
Joshua and Angela reflect on the amazing life and music of Ignatius Sancho, who was born on a slave ship and orphaned shortly thereafter. Through dedication and application, he escaped the institution of slavery and made a huge contribution to the arts, including many great classical compositions.
Featured Music:
"Minuetto 2" from Minuets, Cotillons and Country Dances by Ignatius Sancho
"Minuet No. 10" by Ignatius Sancho
Innovation and Resilience
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
12/02/20 • 17 min
In this third and final bonus episode, Joshua and Angela are joined again by the prolific and talented Dr. Bill Banfield. He shares insights from his time serving on the Pulitzer committee for music, and we listen to his arrangement titled The Cape Is Charming, whose lyrics were taken from a letter written by Langston Hughes.
Featured Music:
"The Cape is Charming" by William Banfield
Karen Slack: The Melanated Maven of Opera
Melanated Moments in Classical Music
10/11/23 • 42 min
Angela and Joshua welcome opera superstar, arts administrator, and 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence winner, Karen Slack, to the Melanated Moments in Classical Music family. Bringing her dynamic, down to earth vibe and perspective, Slack details her beginnings in music and an illustrious career that keeps her in demand with leading artists and stages the world over. Equally devoted to music education and meaningful community engagement, Karen Slack reminds us of the personal power found in showing up and being your truest self both on and off stage.
Featured Music:
- "Pace, Pace Mio Dio" - from La Forza Del Destino - Verdi
Karen Slack, soprano
MDR Symphony, California
Frank Fetta, conductor - “Tu che di gel" - Turendot - Giacomo Puccini
Karen Slack, soprano
Mark Morash, pianist - You Can Tell The World - Five Creek-Freedman Spirituals - Margaret Bonds
Karen Slack, Soprano
Miro Quartet
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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