Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and his Violin sonata in D minor: a lost romantic

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2019-03-13

Department

Towson University. Department of Music

Program

Citation of Original Publication

Rights

Subjects

Abstract

[From Introduction] There are few composers of African descent in the history of western classical music who have achieved memorable and long lasting success. The few names that are often recognized are French composer Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), Polish violinist George Bridgetower (1778-1860), and American composer William Grant Still (1895-1978). Given the significance of his many contributions, composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) is a name that deserves to be added to this small, but significant list. [...]this paper will compare the Sonata for Violin and Piano in D minor by Coleridge-Taylor to works by Dvořák. References will be made to Coleridge-Taylor's life and accomplishments, as well as include analysis of the works cited. Additionally, we will explore his connections to famous contemporary composers and performers, as well as provide references for the spirituals Coleridge-Taylor uses in a number of his other works. With this information as a starting point, we will then explore the Sonata in detail and highlight the many special features of this beautiful work. In its totality, this is a work that deserves more prominence in the repertoire in much the same manner that Coleridge-Taylor's entire career deserves more recognition by modern musical audiences.