Florence Price: Musical Themes

Florence Price, a composer from the U.S., wrote over 300 musical works. This is impressive on its own, but when you consider that symphonies, concertos, and the like require writing many parts and ensuring they all work together, it’s like she wrote thousands of pieces. Even a simple solo with piano accompaniment means writing three parts that fit together and suit each instrument.

In her compositions, Price used western classical and popular styles combined with themes from African traditions like syncopation, spirituals, jazz, and blues.

Here are four examples.

At the Cotton Gin

The title of this piano composition shows how southern U.S. culture influenced Price’s compositions.

My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord

This is a full orchestral setting with a solo singer in the convention of western classical music and was inspired by a spiritual. 

Songs to a/the* Dark Virgin

This art song for voice and piano is part of four poems by Langston Hughes that Price set to music. 

*I've seen the title with “a” and “the.”

The Wind and the Sea

This song for full choir, piano, and string quartet sets to music the text of Paul L. Dunbar’s poem. 

If you get a chance to hear a work by Florence Price, take the opportunity! You might discover a new favorite.