Beethoven’s Fifth & American Icons

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony begins with the most famous notes in history. The symphony moves from despair to joy as if tracing a “hero’s journey.” In America, the journey of Black artists has shaped our national sound. American music grew from the spirituals, blues, R&B, and the dance tunes George Gershwin heard in Harlem.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra | Christopher Wilkins, conductor
Sirgourney Cook, soprano
Adrian Anantawan, violin

George Gershwin Strike Up the Band Overture
Florence Price Concert Overture No. 2
William Grant Still Spirituals: A Medley
Nkeiru Okoye I Am Harriet Tubman, Free Woman
James P. Johnson Drums
Jules Massenet Thaïs: Méditation
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67