3 New Albums Retell the History of Black Composers
Recordings by the pianist Lara Downes, the Catalyst Quartet and the baritone Will Liverman aim to correct the canon.
Among the artists using recordings to advocate for racial equity in classical music are, from left, Lara Downes; the Catalyst Quartet: Karlos Rodriguez, Karla Donehew Perez, Abi Fayette and Paul Laraia; and Will Liverman.Credit.Max Barrett; Ricardo Quiñones; Jaclyn Simpson
Feb. 12, 2021
Music can’t survive on its own. Composers not entrenched in the canon need support: from publishers, from foundations, from performers. Without these champions, it’s all too easy to slide into obscurity.
Adam Ewing/Courtesy of the artist
Will Liverman is a young baritone and a new, exciting voice in the opera world. He is also on something of a mission.
In school, the artist was rarely introduced to Black composers. It was a cumulative interest, patched together by YouTube clips and introductions from colleagues. Now, he wants to expose listeners to music that he feels doesn t get programmed enough in concert halls or receive enough airplay on classical radio stations.
Liverman s new album,
Dreams of a New Day: Songs by Black Composers, is a collection of just some of the pieces that I was really drawn to, and to highlight black composers who are significant, he says. And, of course . I m a big believer and supporter of new works in the classical field. One of the pieces featured is