Adolphus Hailstork (1941)

Donald Macleod journeys into the varied musical landscape of Adolphus Hailstork, in conversation with the composer himself.

American composer Adolphus Hailstork has written in many genres ranging from orchestral and chamber, to choral, song cycles and operatic scenes. Of African-American heritage and now in his eighties, Hailstork’s works have been performed by major orchestras in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, and leading conductors have championed his music including Kurt Masur, Daniel Barenboim and Lorin Maazel. Born in 1941, his early instrumental studies included the organ, piano, violin and the voice, but it was his experience both in the Anglican Cathedral tradition, and hearing and singing spirituals, that have had a significant impact upon the development of his own musical language. For many years he’s been a Professor of Music at the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, and he resides in the state of Virginia, USA. His own list of teachers is impressive, not least of all Nadia Boulanger at the American Institute at Fontainebleau. Hailstork’s own reputation has been significant, and he’s been called the Dean of African-American composers.

Music Featured:

Symphony No 3 (Vivace) The Lamb String Quartet No 3 (Moderato) Piano Sonata No 2 Symphony No 3 (Scherzo) Fanfare on Amazing Grace Three Spirituals for Orchestra Symphony No 2 (Adagio) Three Spirituals for String Trio Symphony No 1 I Will Sing of Life (Songs of Life and Love) Eight Variations on Shalom Chaverim Arabesques Whitman’s Journey: I launch out on the endless seas

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Adolphus Hailstork (1941) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001cgkd

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z