Organ Music of Black Composers

Anthony Williams

Tuesday, June 21, 8 AM

For many years, a large body of organ music by Black composers has been virtually unknown to many organists as well as the general public and due to a lack of publication. In the past, these composers were not often approached by publishers nor did many of them not seek out publishers to publish their music. However, in recent years, a large amount of this music, which is useful for church and recitals, .has been published and is available to the public. Unfortunately, there are still organists who are not aware of it. This lecture/demonstration entitled “Organ Music of Black Composers” is designed to introduce organists to this music. In this lecture/demonstration, organ music by African-American composers and composers of African descent, particularly that which is published and available will be discussed and excerpts of some of the music will be played. A multi-page handout listing both published and unpublished repertoire will be provided for the attendees.

Anthony Williams is Associate Professor of Music at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee and Organist/Choir Director at First Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He has served on the faculty at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Williams began his teaching career at Fisk in the late 1980s where he served as Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers®, and was the youngest person to hold that position. Dr. Williams holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati, the University of Michigan and the American Conservatory of Music. Principal teachers include Robert Glasgow, Marilyn Mason, David Mulbury, Peter Fyfe and Paul Jordan.