Yannick Nezet-Seguin & The Philadelphia Orchestra – Florence Price: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3 – Vinyl LP

In 1933, Florence Price’s ‘Symphony No. 1’ was the first symphonic work by a Black woman to be played by a major American orchestra. Steeped in American folk music, spirituals, and church hymns, Price’s celebrated work reflects her experience as a Black woman raised in the post-Civil War South. Florence Price composed her ‘Third Symphony’ in the midst of the Chicago Renaissance and it reflects her growth as a composer, taking more risks, adding modern techniques, and expanding emotional elements as compared to her more traditional ‘First Symphony’. The 2 symphonies, played by the Philadelphia Orchestra and conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, were recorded in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia in early 2021.

Disc 1
1. Symphony No.1 In E Minor: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
2. Symphony No.1 In E Minor: Ii. Largo, Maestoso
3. Symphony No.1 In E Minor: Iii. Juba Dance
4. Symphony No.1 In E Minor: Iv. Finale

Disc 2
1. Symphony No.3 In C Minor: I. Andante
2. Symphony No.3 In C Minor: Ii. Andante Ma Non Troppo
3. Symphony No.3 In C Minor: Iii. Juba. Allegro
4. Symphony No.3 In C Minor: Iv. Scherzo. Finale