For the Record, Op. 160: Randall Goosby's 'Roots'
Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!
Violinist Randall Goosby.
Roots
Randall Goosby, violin
Violinist Randall Goosby -- a longtime Itzhak Perlman protégé - pays tribute to music written by Black composers and inspired by Black American culture in his debut album. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to share this album during such a pivotal moment in history," Goosby said. "It has been a year of division and isolation for so many – I hope this music will inspire not only the kind of curiosity and creativity that brings people together, but also the reflection, understanding and compassion we so desperately need moving forward. Many of these African-American composers – William Grant Still, Florence Price, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson – had to navigate society at a time when racism, prejudice and segregation were commonplace. Today, artists like myself, and other young artists of color, enjoy more of a sense of freedom and confidence in pursuing a career in classical music." The album contains music by Xavier Dubois Foley, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, George Gershwin, William Grant Still, Florence Price, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor arr. Maud Powell, and Antonín Dvorák. Check Violinist.com next week for our exclusive interview with Randall! BELOW: Randall Goosby performs "Adoration" by Florence Price (arr. Elaine Fine) with pianist Zhu Wang -- a world premiere violin recording of the work.
If you have a new recording you would like us to consider for inclusion in our Thursday "For the Record" feature, please e-mail Editor Laurie Niles. Be sure to include the name of your album, a link to it and a short description of what it includes.
You might also like:
- For the Record, Op. 159: Bomsori's 'Violin on Stage'; Sebastian Bohren's Mozart
- For the Record, Op. 158: Lincoln Trio; Cellist Matt Haimovitz; Composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate
- For the Record, Op. 157: Ehnes Quartet; Francisco Fullana
Replies
It can’t be debated that there has been a shortage of people of color within the realms of the classical music arena. Many have said that the culture itself did not encourage the listening of anything other than pop music. I think there is a semblance of truth to that. But, let’s face it, the violin is still an instrument considered to be played by those privileged enough to be able to afford one.
Since coming back to the violin six months ago, after putting it on the shelf for close to fifty years, I have been seeking out younger, contemporary violinists. I have enjoyed listening to Hilary Hahn, Chloe Chua, Nicola Benedetti among others. I will add Randal Goosby to my list. I found his interpretation of this beautiful piece of music to be played quite gracefully. Thanks for sharing this young man with us!
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June 25, 2021 at 11:16 PM · Laurie, Florence Price's "Adoration" is simply beautiful and performed exquisitely by Goosby. (I'd kill for his vibrato!) I'm stunned that this piece has never been recorded, although I shouldn't be. I personally have never heard it before. Bravo to Goosby for bringing much-needed attention to this, and other, rarely-performed works. Can't wait to get my CD.