Composer: Florence Price
Works: The Oak, Mississippi River Suite, Symphony No. 3 in C minor
Performers: The Women’s Philharmonic, Apo Hsu (conductor)
Recording: Recorded at Skywalker Sound, Marin County, California (no date provided)
Label: KOCH INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS 3-7518-2 HI
Florence Price stands as a pivotal figure in American classical music, her legacy often overshadowed by her male contemporaries. The present recording of her orchestral music serves as a vital reexamination of her work, showcasing a composer whose voice was distinct and deserving of recognition. Price, an African-American composer active in the early to mid-20th century, infused her compositions with the rich heritage of African-American spirituals and folk traditions, which resonate poignantly throughout the three works featured on this disc.
The twelve-minute tone poem, The Oak, while perhaps the least characteristic of her oeuvre, offers a lush, romantic landscape that is immediately engaging. Its orchestration is both transparent and evocative, allowing the listener to appreciate Price’s deft handling of orchestral color. However, it is in the Mississippi River Suite where Price truly reveals her artistic identity. The suite draws heavily on African-American spirituals, weaving together themes such as “Go Down Moses” and “Deep River” with a deep emotional resonance. The orchestration, particularly in the treatment of winds and strings, captures the essence of these spirituals, transforming their inherent sorrow and hope into a symphonic tapestry. It is worth noting that the recording does not provide separate cue points for the suite’s movements; this could pose a challenge for listeners seeking to navigate its distinct sections.
The Symphony No. 3, composed in 1940, marks a maturation in Price’s compositional style. It reflects a more concentrated form, yet retains the rich thematic material found in the Mississippi Suite. The inclusion of a Juba movement—a lively, syncopated section reminiscent of the works of Scott Joplin and George Gershwin—injects an exhilarating energy into the symphonic structure. The rhythmic vitality is expertly executed by The Women’s Philharmonic, under Apo Hsu’s direction, who brings an admirable clarity and precision to the performance. The orchestra’s ability to balance the lyrical with the rhythmic is commendable, particularly in the contrasting sections of the symphony where Price’s melodic lines intertwine with vibrant orchestral textures.
The recording quality is commendable, with the engineering allowing for a vibrant soundstage that brings the orchestral forces to life. The natural acoustics of Skywalker Sound contribute to a warm and inviting listening experience. Each instrument is articulated clearly, allowing Price’s intricate orchestration to shine. In comparison with other notable recordings of American orchestral music, this disc stands out not only for its repertoire but also for its commitment to showcasing a composer who has too often been relegated to the margins of classical music history.
Florence Price’s orchestral music demands to be heard, and this recording serves as a significant step in restoring her rightful place within the canon. The Women’s Philharmonic, under Apo Hsu’s insightful leadership, delivers performances that are both technically proficient and emotionally resonant. With careful attention to the nuances of Price’s style, this disc not only highlights her unique voice but also invites listeners to explore the broader narratives of race, gender, and musical tradition in American classical music. The time has come for Florence Price to take her place among the great composers of her era, and this recording is an essential contribution to that recognition.
