A Pioneering Twentieth Century African-American Musician

Finding scholarly research on the choral music by significant American composers is limited. Moreover, finding scholarly resources by significant African-American composers is more limited. Spiritual arrangements by well-known African-American composers had a tremendous impact upon the cultural development of African-Americans in North America. Equally, but not always noted, are the contributions by African-American composers of the western European tradition. The purpose of this book is three-fold: 1) to provide a scholarly resource devoted to the musical contributions of Pulitzer Prize winner George Walker; 2) to present his choral works in the form of a descriptive analysis; and 3) to provide a summary of his career as a performer, conductor, teacher, and composer. Chapter One introduces the composer and briefly discusses the need for continued research in this area. Chapter Two provides a Black perspective on twentieth century classical music. Chapter Three explores Walkers life. Chapters Four and Five are devoted to the musical analysis of his choral works. Chapter Six summarizes and reflects upon the life, choral works, and accomplishments of George Walker.