Florence Price - Black Excellence in White Art Form
- Rosey Denise
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
I had the privilege of visiting The Detroit Symphony Orchestra over the weekend, where my ears were delighted to classical tunes by Florence Price. I closed my eyes and listened to the instruments, but my ears could not tell the difference between the color of the notes being played. I could not hear the ethnicity of the composer within the melodies. Yet when I opened my eyes I realized I was surrounded by white folks, and the Orchestra musicians were comprised mostly of white folks.
That's when it hit me....
Classical Music is a White Art Form!
Classical Music has always been considered a white art form because black, poor or indigent folks do not have equal access to training, musical instruments or are even welcomed in those environments. This is what makes the success of Florence Price all the more outstanding.
Florence Price is the FIRST black composer to have her works performed by a United States Orchestra during the 19th century. She creatively incorporated Europen classical technques with Black negro spirituals in her musical compositions. Like most people of color, her success came about after cultivating organic God given talent. When we celebrate the legacies of blacks, we often overlook what it took to overcome in the first place. Racism is not a date on the calendar; it is an idea that perpetuates stigmas and complicates opportunities for colored people. We forget that the famous black musicians and writers of The Harlem Renaissance were homeless and unemployed during their great migration trek. We overlook the resistance MLK Jr. faced, or the lies bestowed on The Black Panthers movement. We pretend as if these historic blacks and others, had the same resources, respect and opportunities as their white counterparts when in fact, the road traveled towards success was riddled chaos.
Black History is also a part of the American idea!! It is important for us to acknowledge our history by embracing both the good and Bad memories from our past. The struggles and successes of minorities should reveal character and consciousness for all!
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RDW
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