Aida's brothers and sisters. I : black voices in opera

Available as

Online

Summary

The film tells the story of classical black singing set against the background of black emancipation in politics and society. It portrays for instance the first successes of bass Paul Robeson, who,...

The film tells the story of classical black singing set against the background of black emancipation in politics and society. It portrays for instance the first successes of bass Paul Robeson, who, throughout his life, regarded his voice as an instrument of liberation, and the young singing pupils of the Harlem School of Arts, who identify themselves to their origins in a rejuvenated pride. In addition, we hear the great Afro American singers, their opera company directors, and conductors talking about their views. Historical and contemporary film extracts and especially movie extracts demonstrate the richness and variety of black singing. With Jessye Norman, Grace Bumbry, Shirley Verrett, Simon Estes, Barbara Hendricks, Edward Said.

Show More