Music by Black Composers: 105 Sacred Works for Organ

The past few weeks, we’ve been reminded yet again of the racial inequality that has plagued the United States and other parts of the world for centuries.

This week, like so many others, I’m taking some time to read, learn, and listen to the black community and begin the work of change. Here are a few small ways I’m taking action:

• We donated to an African-American cause we care about.

• I started reading Blindspot: The Hidden Biases of Good People.

• We started conversations about racial injustice with friends and family members.

• I’m spending time researching music by black composers (and women, in particular) to learn more about their contributions to the field.

I started thinking about the repertoire we study, perform, and teach; the composers we study in music history, the music shared in worship, and the musicians from history that we introduce to our students. Are we honoring all the voices that have contributed to our field? Are we celebrating the diversity of composers in addition to diversity in styles?

A partial result of my research is the list you see below: 105 sacred works for organ for use in both worship and recital settings.

Are you looking to incorporate more diversity into your repertoire? Are you looking for ways to feature African-American and black voices in the music you choose?

Perhaps this is a starting place.