This week on Kids Commute, we’re listening R. Nathaniel Dett's characteristic suite, "In The Bottoms."
The piece has five movements, each depicting a different aspect of life for Black folks living in and around river “bottoms,” or river beds of the Mississippi River in the American South.
I. Prelude (Night)
II. His Song
III. Honey (Humoresque)
IV. Barcarolle (Morning)
V. Dance (Juba)
Nathaniel Dett had an illustrious career, studying at prestigious institutions such as Oberlin, Harvard and the Eastman School of Music, teaching at and founding the School of Music at acclaimed HBCU Hampton University in Virginia, and writing many influential pieces, including his "Magnolia" suite and oratorio, "The Ordering of Moses."
Dett is remembered most for classical music compositions that incorporated elements of African-American folk songs and spirituals.
This week's pieces are performed by William Chapman Nyaho — learn more about him on Classical Sprouts!
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