Danzas de Panama for string quartet (parts); William Grant Still (Peer Music)

Parts only; Score sold separately

Danzas de Panama for string quartet; William Grant Still

• Based on Panamanian folk themes, collected by Elisabeth Waldo

Harlem Renaissance composer William Grant Still (1895-1978) is known as the ''Dean of Afro-American Composers''. He arranged for film and jazz bands, including for W.C. Handy and Paul Whiteman. He found much success in classical forms--he was the first African-American composer to have a work performed by a major orchestra and to have an opera performed by a major company.

Still's ''Danzas de Panama'' for string quartet date from 1948 and are based on Panamanian folk tunes collected by Elizabeth Waldo. These energetic, fast-paced and rhythmic dances are some of his most popular pieces. The first movement 'Tamborito' is famous for asking the players to percussively strike the sides of their instruments with their hand. For advanced players.