Now Hear This Season 3 Episode 2 Florence Price and the American Migration

Now Hear This is a critically acclaimed podcast hosted by Scott Yoo, an accomplished violinist and conductor. In this season 3 episode 2 titled "Florence Price and the American Migration," Scott takes listeners on a journey through the life and music of pioneering African American composer Florence Price.

The episode begins with Scott sharing the story of how he discovered Price's music, stumbling across her compositions while searching for forgotten masterpieces in an archive. He goes on to share context about Price's life and times, as an African American woman living in the early 20th century, facing discrimination and limited opportunities in the classical music world.

Scott explores how the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North, which took place between 1916 and 1970, impacted Price's life and career. He takes listeners on a virtual tour of Little Rock, Arkansas, Price's birthplace, and contextualizes her upbringing within the broader history of segregation and racism in the Jim Crow South.

Scott then dives into some of Price's most famous compositions, including the Symphony No. 1 in E minor and the Piano Sonata in E minor. He explores the influences of spirituals, gospel, and blues music on Price's work, and highlights her innovative blending of classical music and African American musical traditions.

Throughout the episode, Scott interviews experts on Price's life and music, including Dr. Rae Linda Brown, a musicologist and author who wrote the biography "The Heart of a Woman: The Life and Music of Florence B. Price," and Karen Walwyn, a concert pianist and scholar who specializes in Price's music.

Listeners also get to hear firsthand accounts from Price's descendants, who share anecdotes about her life and legacy, including how her music was lost and rediscovered decades after her death.

The episode concludes with a moving tribute to Price's enduring impact, as Scott plays a beautiful recording of the Symphony No. 1 in E minor. He reminds listeners that even though Price faced countless obstacles during her lifetime, her music transcends time and continues to inspire and move listeners today.

Overall, this episode of Now Hear This offers a compelling and comprehensive look at the life and work of Florence Price, shedding light on a trailblazing artist whose contributions to classical music history have too often been overlooked.