LibGuides: Black Classical Music and Musicians: Recordings

Jump to: Streaming Audio & Video | Hardcopy Recordings

Streaming Audio & Video

Library Databases

All of our streaming databases include music composed and performed by Black artists. Search for particular names or titles, or for keywords that may be part of an album title, e.g. Black, African American, etc.

Not sure what names/titles to search? See the Repertoire page to discover new music.

Naxos Music Library This link opens in a new window
See especially their playlists of Black Composers, Part 1 and Part 2.
Dance in Video This link opens in a new window
Hundreds of dance videos in all genres, including many with art music accompaniment.
DRAM This link opens in a new window
Over 4,000 albums by primarily American composers and artists in a wide range of genres.
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive This link opens in a new window
Videos of dance and music from the Jacob's Pillow Dance festival.

Open Web Resources

Black Classical Music Essentials
Spotify playlist assembled by Epongue Ekille, musician from the Yale Symphony Orchestra.

Hardcopy Recordings

Anthologies in the Allen Library (selections)

We have many more recordings from Black composers and performers! Use the repertoire guides and websites elsewhere in this guide to identify other composers and work titles, then search the library catalog for those specific works. See catalog search tips below, or ask a librarian for help.

Black Composers Series, 1974-1978
Call Number: MD1 B533 1974-1978 [Allen CDs]
Publication Date: 2018
Works by 15 composers from the 18th century to the present.
Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women
Call Number: MD217 W35 K3 [Allen CDs]
Publication Date: 1995
Works for violin and/or piano.
Legacy: Works for Bassoon by African-American Composers by Lecolion Washington (Performer)
Call Number: MD5 L443 [Allen CDs]
Publication Date: 2008
Piano Music by African American Composers by Natalie Hinderas (Performer)
Call Number: MD21 H66 P53 [Allen CDs]
Publication Date: 1992
Nine pieces by nine different composers

Find CDs & LPs in the Library

The best way to find recordings in the catalog is to search for a specific composer, performer, or piece.
Don't know what to search? See the Repertoire page.

Another option: search for anthologies with keywords like Black or African American.
Use the drop-down menu to limit your search to Sound recordings.

Here are just a couple examples to get started (click to see search results):
African American
Black composers

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).