Musikfest 2021: A Celebration of Black Music
In the opening concert of Musikfest 2021: A Celebration of Black Music, baritone Thomas Hampson performed together with soprano Louise Toppin three songs from the song cycle Africa Songs, op. 29 by Wilhelm Grosz. The two artists were accompanied on the piano by Howard Watkins.
Wilhelm Grosz (1894 – 1939), born in Vienna, was forced into exile in 1934 due to his Jewish origin. In the song cycle Africa Songs, which was composed in 1930, he set several poems by African-American poet Langston Hughes (1901-1967) to music. The estate of Wilhelm Grosz is located in the archive of the Exilarte Center.
Wilhelm Grosz, Africa Songs, op. 29 [15:05 – 22:18]
Wilhelm Grosz, from: Africa Songs, op. 29 [15:05 – 22:18]
Das neue Kabarettmädel [15:05]
Schnaps-Mary [17:07]
Nachtlied in Harlem [19:21]
For the complete program of this concert, please click here.