Intermezzo at 1 pm: The orchestral music of Florence Price

February is Black History Month, a time to honour the trailblazers who have shaped history, and in the world of classical music, few figures stand as tall as Florence Price. As the first Black woman to have her symphony performed by a major American orchestra, Price broke barriers and redefined expectations. Her compositions, infused with African American spirituals, folk rhythms, and European classical traditions, continue to captivate audiences today. Among her most remarkable works, Symphony No. 1, Symphony No. 3, Violin Concerto No. 1, Concerto in One Movement for Piano, and the Mississippi River Orchestral Suite showcase her masterful ability to blend tradition with innovation. 

MONDAY, February 24-- Symphony No. 1 (1933): A Historic Breakthrough 

Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor marked a defining moment in American music history. In 1933, it was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, making Price the first Black woman to achieve such recognition. The symphony consists of four movements: 

1. Allegro ma non troppo – A dramatic and richly orchestrated opening movement, blending classical structure with African American folk influences. 

2. Largo, maestoso – A lyrical and expansive second movement, featuring lush harmonies reminiscent of spirituals. 

3. Juba Dance: Allegro – A lively, percussive dance that brings an African American rhythmic vitality into the symphonic form. 

4. Finale: Presto – A triumphant and energetic conclusion that showcases Price’s innovative use of orchestration. 

TUESDAY, February 25,--Symphony No. 1 --Violin Concerto No. 1 (1939): A Virtuosic Journey 

Price’s Violin Concerto No. 1 is a stunning showcase of her ability to write both lyrical and technically demanding music. Thought to have been lost for decades, the concerto was rediscovered in 2009, adding to the growing appreciation of Price’s extensive catalog. The piece unfolds in three movements: 

1. Allegro non troppo – A sweeping and expressive opening, full of virtuosic passages for the solo violin. 

2. Andante – A tender and lyrical movement, rich with emotive string writing. 

3. Finale: Allegretto – A playful and rhythmically engaging conclusion that highlights the violin’s brilliance. 

WEDNESDAY, February 26,-- Symphony No. 3 (1940): A Reflection of Heritage and Hope 

Written in 1938, Symphony No. 3 in C minor came at a time of social and political upheaval. Commissioned by the Works Progress Administration, the symphony exudes a sense of hope and determination. The four movements include: 

1. Andante – Allegro – A bold and dramatic opening movement, shifting between sweeping melodies and rhythmic intensity. 

2. Andante ma non troppo – A hauntingly beautiful movement, rich in harmonies that evoke African American spirituals. 

3. Juba: Allegro – A vibrant and percussive dance, rooted in the rhythmic traditions of Juba, an African American folk dance. 

4. Scherzo: Finale – A thrilling, fast-paced conclusion that merges classical and folk traditions in an exhilarating fashion. 

THURSDAY, February 27-- Concerto in One Movement for Piano (1934): A Bold Statement 

The Concerto in One Movement for Piano is an exhilarating display of Price’s pianistic prowess and compositional ingenuity. Unlike traditional multi-movement concertos, this piece flows seamlessly through distinct sections: 

• A bold and majestic opening, full of sweeping orchestral textures. 

• A lyrical and introspective middle section, featuring expressive solo piano passages. 

• A lively and rhythmically intricate final section, incorporating influences of ragtime and African American folk music. 

FRIDAY, February 28-- Mississippi River Orchestral Suite (1934): A Musical Journey Through History 

One of Price’s most evocative works, the Mississippi River Orchestral Suite is a sonic tribute to the lifeblood of African American history. The piece follows the river’s journey, incorporating spirituals such as "Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen" and "Go Down, Moses." The suite unfolds in distinct movements: 

1. The Source – A serene and mysterious opening, symbolizing the river’s quiet beginnings. 

2. The Journey – A dynamic movement, filled with swirling orchestral textures that mimic the river’s flow. 

3. Plantation Life – A deeply emotive section, weaving in spirituals to reflect the experiences of enslaved people. 

4. The City and the Blues – A vibrant finale, incorporating blues-inflected harmonies and jazz rhythms to depict the bustling energy of cities along the river. 

Florence Price’s Legacy 

Though her music was overshadowed for decades, Florence Price’s legacy is experiencing a well-deserved renaissance. Her compositions are now being performed worldwide, her genius finally recognized in the way it always should have been. Her ability to merge African American musical traditions with classical forms created a distinctive voice in American music, and her work remains as powerful today as it was in her time. 

As Black History Month celebrates those who have paved the way, Price’s music stands as both an inspiration and a call to continue championing diverse voices in the arts. Her symphonies, concertos, and suites remind us that music is not just entertainment—it is history, identity, and a powerful force for change.