Full Description
Black Song: A Manifesto for Music and Justice centers acts of musical creation and performance that emerge from Black experiences, affirm Black humanity, and connect to Black communities. Written for scholars, performers, and music fans, the book shows that learning about Black Song and its creation is central to understanding both American music and Black American experiences. By providing a more inclusive, just, and accurate understanding of the art of Black Song, the authors disrupt and expand musical canons.
Black Song shines a spotlight on the response, resistance, and community building that occur in musical creation in Black spaces, past and present. The authors explore histories and performances across musical styles—from classical to country to hip-hop to opera to jazz to gospel to many others. They offer practical advice on how to perform, research, teach, and listen to this music. As they center Black Song in American history and music, they show that this music is a valuable tool for promoting productive and healing dialogues about race, justice, and history. Encouraging empathy and understanding, Black Song shows how to approach Black music and spaces with knowledge and respect.
Contents
Table of Contents
Foreword by Thomas Hampson
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I What Is Black Song?
Chapter 1: Black Song: An Invitation to a More Just Musical Culture
Chapter 2: Black Song Spaces
Chapter 3: Black Song as Protest and Resistance
Part II Black Song: Backgrounds and Perspectives
Chapter 4: Historical Contexts: Listening to Music and Hearing History
Chapter 5: Black Song and the Problem of Music's Canons
Part III Black Song Roadmaps for Performance, Teaching, and Research
Chapter 6: Engaging with Black Song: Seminar Recitals
Chapter 7: Black Song as an Anti-Racist Tool for Teaching and Learning
Chapter 8: Tools and Methods for Conducting, Producing, and Disseminating Black Song Research
Epilogue: Where Do We Go from Here?
Appendix
Bibliography
