Album: Ellington: Suite from "The River" / Harlem / Solitude / Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony

Introduction
"Ellington: Suite from 'The River'/ Harlem/ Privacy/ Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony" is a 2001 album including the works of two significant African American authors-- Duke Ellington and William Levi Dawson. This album highlights the fusion of classical music and African-American musical traditions, showcasing the skills of these legendary authors.

William Levi Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony
William Levi Dawson was a popular African-American author throughout the 20th century, best understood for his contributions to choral music, particularly spirituals. In 1934, he composed the "Negro Folk Symphony", which is included on this album. The symphony consists of three motions-- "The Bond of Africa", "Hope in the Night", and "O, le' me shine, shine like a Morning Star". Dawson's work includes components of African-American folk tunes, spirituals, and blues, mixing them seamlessly with the classical symphony type.

In the very first movement, "The Bond of Africa", Dawson uses the African pentatonic scale to create a mournful yet victorious and balanced atmosphere that shows the struggle and strength of African servants in the New World. The 2nd motion, "Hope in the Night", incorporates spirituals such as "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" and "Steal Away", supplying a hopeful contrast to the very first motion's tense textures. The final movement, "O, le' me shine, shine like a Morning Star", highlights the durability and optimism in African-American culture, ending the symphony on an uplifting note.

Duke Ellington: Suite from "The River"/ Harlem/ Solitude
Duke Ellington, among the most influential jazz composers and artists in history, also made significant contributions to classical music. This album includes three of his orchestral works-- Suite from "The River", "Harlem", and "Solitude".

"Suite from 'The River'" is an eight-part ballet suite Ellington composed in collaboration with choreographer Alvin Ailey. Each movement represents a various element of river life, such as "Spring", "The Run", "The Giddy", and "The Lake". The work masterfully blends jazz consistency, blues, and classical forms to develop an uniquely American soundscape that records the essence of the river's ever-changing character.

"Harlem" is a tone poem Ellington composed in 1950 as a homage to the vibrant New York area filled with varied African-American traditions and culture. The piece makes use of jazz, blues, and gospel aspects to represent the lively atmosphere and complex rhythms discovered in the Harlem community. Ellington likewise weaves in tunes from widely known spirituals and jazz requirements, including depth and historical context to the piece.

"Solitude", originally a tune made up by Ellington in 1934, was later on arranged for orchestra, showcasing the expressive charm and subtlety of Ellington's music. The piece starts with a mournful tune, ultimately progressing into a lavish arrangement that communicates the sensations of isolation and self-questioning.

Conclusion
This album successfully unites the works of 2 conducting African-American authors, Duke Ellington and William Levi Dawson. Their contributions to symphonic music emphasize a fusion of African-American musical traditions and expose the strength and resilience of African-American culture, which still resonates today. The mix of these powerful compositions provides listeners with a vital expedition of the crossway between symphonic music, jazz, and African-American musical heritage.