Feminine Fusion

S5-46: Women of Color – Composers, Part 4

by Diane Jones

July 17, 2021

Composer Errollyn Wallen

“Composing is an abstract activity; yet all life goes into a piece of music.”  – Errollyn Wallen

This week we hear an hour dedicated to music composed by Women of Color.  These remarkable women have worked to overcome both gender and racial bias in order to give voice to their music.  Their names may not be familiar, but their music is powerful.

Women of Color, Part 4:

Carolyn Yarnell:  More Spirit Than Matter
American Baroque
“The Shock of the Old – Common Sense Composers’ Collective”
Soundmark Records 48220

Nathalie Joachim:  Dam mwen yo
Amanda Gookin, cello
“Forward Music Project 1.0”
Bright Shiny Things 0135

L. Viola Kinney:  Mother’s Sacrifice
Maria Corley, piano
“Piano Music (African American Women)”
Albany 857

Errollyn Wallen:  Photography
Ensemble X; Nicholas Kok, conductor
“Photography”
NMC 221

Mary D. Watkins:  Five Movements in Color (excerpts)
New Black Music Repertory Ensemble; Leslie B. Dunner, conductor
Bonita Hyman, mezzo-soprano; Rodrick Dixson, tenor; Donnie Ray Albert, baritone
“Recorded Music of the African Diaspora”
Albany 1200

Run time:  58:30

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire. Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.