Danzas de Panama for string quartet (score) by William Grant Still
Based on Panamanian folk themes collected by Elisabeth Waldo. Published by Peer Music
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. Likewise, his Symphony No. 1 ''Afro-American'' was for a time the most performed symphony by an American composer.
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. Contains score only; parts sold separately (ENSSTILDANZAPTPM).
