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As we celebrate Black History Month on Classic 107, we’re spotlighting a new recording of a seminal Canadian figure in the nation’s classical music history, R. Nathaniel Dett.
Northern Magnolias: Robert Nathaniel Dett Piano Works is a new recording by pianist Luke Welch, who serves on faculty at York University as well as being an instructor in the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Oscar Peterson Program from piano. Welch is internationally recognized for his work championing music by Black and BIPOC composers, and his previous recordings have shone spotlights on works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Florence Price and Tom Wiggins.
Born in Drummondville, Ontario, R. Nathaniel Dett was a leading figure of the early 20th century. He was celebrated not only for his work as a composer and pianist, but also his work as a conductor and music educator. Northern Magnolias is a celebration of Dett’s efforts in his life to codify elements of Black culture through the lens of Western classical music.
Listen for an excerpt from Luke Welch’s Northern Magnolias: Robert Nathaniel Dett Piano Works every Wednesday morning just after 7:30 a.m. on Morning Light with Nolan Kehler, brought to you by Photo Central.