William Grant Still (Ennanga)

Composed in 1956, this three-movement chamber work is William Grant Still's picturesque reflection of an African harp-like instrument called ennanga. The music contains a prominent part for the harp that Western audiences are accustomed to hearing, but it bears little timbral resemblance to its African counterpart. Regardless, one can't help but find the soul at rest while listening to the piece, especially the second movement.
Movement I - 0:05
Movement II - 5:41
Movement III - 10:59
Performed by Videmus ensemble
The harp is played by Ann Hobson Pilot.
Purchase here: www.amazon.com/...

[@roseevaris9110]

I listen to this over and over. It's beautiful.

[@davidholmes4635]

Wonderful music by a great Black American composer, William Grant Still.

[@mbb--]

This has become one of my favorite pieces of music of all time. I'm so happy I discovered William Grant Still

[@roseevaris9110]

Me too

[@ethanhill9738]

Here's a great example of folk elements presented in symphonic form. This is beautiful music.

[@joshuahickerson6992]

Thank-You, the Russians, Hungarians and Romanians started their modern music this way. Happy Americans did the same.

[@anthonypierson1593]

We’re playing this in our orchestra, love the harp. I play viola.

[@daniela.harris9052]

Symphonies and quartets need to program Still's music.

[@jamaicanpianistcomposer]

YES!!! Absolutely

[@leestamm3187]

A terrific composition, filled with the energy and emotion so typical of Still's music.

[@MichaelConwayBaker]

This is just wonderful music. Very much like a harp concerto. I will certainly look forward to hearing more of this composer's music.

[@TerrorandLove4u]

Quite blown away. Like right out of my shoes (figuratively and only a little bit literally)

[@Akbalaak]

thanks god for brought me here... is amazing love it

[@stephaniebutler7300]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL

[@philslife1]

Absolutely beautiful and played so very well indeed...slow movement my favorite!

[@kholmes39]

Absolutely beautiful. Too bad Still is not better known among American composers.

[@brianlemaire4221]

WQXR plays his works every so often.

[@roseevaris9110]

And listeners. Only discovered him because of Performance Today broadcast.

[@mbb--]

It's a crime that he's not more well-known

[@champaignunderground]

Thank you for posting the links to each of the 3 mvmts. & photo of an ennanga. Beautiful music!

[@harryandruschak2843]

Listened to on Sunday Evening, 21 February 2016. A wonderful piece of music to end the day with. Thank you for uploading this.

[@zakyahjones258]

Harry Andruschak you years the we quickly get most get most part love more his the we quickly get most get

[@gems8167]

More likely an homage to the n'goni than the ennenga.

[@rogerwortham6877]

Listen to his Kaintuck!

[@jamesfaith9216]

Still, Ellington, Waller, Gershwin, Grofe, Copeland. had the American Classical Music, right after the Post Romantic Period. Soon they all will get their due. European apartheid will always eventually die.

[@reidwhitton6248]

They're all world famous. No European apartheid.

[@HUZAR30]

European apartheid? This was written entirely in the European Romantic style.

[@andrewpetersen5272]

Copland...no "e" And sorry Grofe does not belong. Ellington and Waller, ...Jazz, not the same genre. Try Ives, Cowell, Barber, Bernstein...

[@windstorm1000]

His works need to be heard more often in concert halls. Enough on the Mozart. Variety people and discovering native composers,

[@user-zz2dx3qf7u]

Public service