What would it take for you to pass up a once in a lifetime opportunity? Whatever it might be, the alternative would have to be pretty important, right? Well if you can believe it, this happens all the time, and today I’d like to shine a light on one of the women in classical music who did just that. Hi there – I’m Loki Karuna, introducing to you, today, to the late great Undine Smith Moore. Born in 1904,
Undine Eliza Anna Smith Moore was one of the most significant Black composers of her day. So much so, that she’s been deemed, historically, as the Dean of Black Women composers. Her talents were identified at a very early age, and once upon a time, she was encouraged to develop her skills even further at the Juilliard school. Focused on her wish to build consciousness and solidarity among those she engaged, Undine decided not to take this once in a lifetime opportunity and instead, focused on teaching youth and writing music that centered Black experiences.
This 1953 piano work is a great example – one that she called, “Before I’d Be a Slave”. About a decade later, Undine Smith Moore became the co-founder of the Black Music Center at the then Virginia State College, aimed to teach people about Black contributions to the world of music. Her impact, and her compositions, have served as the foundation for much of today’s continued study of Black music, making her without a doubt one of history’s most Noteworthy.
Noteworthy is a production of WDAV classical public radio.