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Black Composers, Classical Quartets

There is a substantial amount of Classical music written by Black composers from the 1700s to the 1900s. In many cases, the music exists today only in manuscript form, making it difficult to access for the average performer. To make the music of these Black composers more easily accessible, I am creating printed editions with downloadable scores and parts, as well as releasing video recording demos periodically. All of the music is either originally for String Quartet or arranged by myself. As the project develops, more music will be added to this page. Please contact me if you have suggestions!

Use the coupon "BlackComposers" at checkout if you'd like to download any of this music for free! A portion of the sale price goes toward creating a larger library of music by Classical Black Composers, but I also want this music to be as accessible and available as possible. Thank you for your support!

Featured Composers

Ignatius Sancho

Ignatius Sancho

(1729-1780)

British composer and prominent abolitionist, the first person of African origin to vote in Britain.

Joseph Bologne

Joseph Bologne

(1745-1799)

French violinist, composer and conductor, as well as a master fencer.

José Maurício Nunes Garcia

José Maurício Nunes Garcia

(1767-1830)

Brazilian Black composer and priest, as well as musical theorist.

George Bridgetower

George Bridgetower

(1778-1860)

Afro-European virtuoso violinist and composer, friend of Beethoven

Francis Johnson

Francis Johnson

(1792-1844)

The first African American to have his works published as sheet music, and the first director to bring an American ensemble on tour abroad to Europe.

José White

José White

(1836-1918)

Afro-Cuban-French violinist and composer, who played on the famous "Swansong" Stradivarius violin.

Thomas Wiggins

Thomas Wiggins

(1849-1908)

Known as "Blind Tom," virtuosic touring pianist in America.

Donate

Disclaimer: this project is not a non-profit, and therefore donations are not tax deductible. However, if you would like to contribute financially, your donation is greatly appreciated. Costs of the project include: library access fees, travel, research, website maintenance, arranging and transcribing, audio and video recording and editing, marketing and promotion.

Sheet Music

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