Pioneering Twentieth Century African-American Musician

Finding scholarly research on the choral music by§significant American composers is limited. Moreover,§finding scholarly resources by significant§African-American composers is more limited. Spiritual§arrangements by well-known African-American composers§had a tremendous impact upon the cultural development§of African-Americans in North America. Equally, but§not always noted, are the contributions by§African-American composers of the western European§tradition. The purpose of this book is three-fold: 1)§to provide a scholarly resource devoted to the§musical contributions of Pulitzer Prize winner George§Walker; 2) to present his choral works in the form of§a descriptive analysis; and 3) to provide a summary§of his career as a performer, conductor, teacher, and§composer. Chapter One introduces the composer and§briefly discusses the need for continued research in§this area. Chapter Two provides a Black perspective§on twentieth century classical music. Chapter Three§explores Walker s life. Chapters Four and Five are§devoted to the musical analysis of his choral works.§Chapter Six summarizes and reflects upon the life,§choral works, and accomplishments of George Walker.