Alina (LIFTS THE) Box: I have been listening to the works of Carlos Simon these past few weeks, first coming across his piece, “Another Rising,” written for the Brooklyn Youth Chorus and performed with countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo. But, I really want to talk about his piece, “Portrait of a Queen.” I think it’s an amazing listen! “Portrait of a Queen,” is written for string orchestra, percussion, and female narrator, with text by Courtney D. Ware. The piece navigates the experience of a black woman, through her eyes. The poetry starts with this “queen” in a place of power in Africa, then journeys through slavery, Jim Crow, and finally towards becoming a “strong matriarch,” through four attaca sections. This “queen,” as Simon puts it, “represents strength, courage and selflessness.” I love the dramatic interpretation of the poetry spoken atop a tumultuous orchestra. The constant pulsing of the strings highlights the constant struggle of a disenfranchised people. I haven’t had the opportunity to see the piece yet, but visuals of the progression of racism accompany the musicians throughout the work. I have really enjoyed getting to know this piece as well as many others composed by Simon. I’d also suggest listening to his arrangement of Caro mio ben, commissioned by a fellow spartan, Brian Major!
ALSO! Simon was recently awarded The Sphinx Medal of Excellence, the the highest honor bestowed by the Sphinx Organization, recognizing extraordinary classical Black and Latinx musicians. Many congrats!
Excerpt of “Portrait of a Queen” (Jim Crow)
“Another Rising” written for the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, performed with Anthony Roth Costanzo