His Song (From "Suite caractéristique" - "In the Bottoms")

Robert Nathaniel Dett (October 11, 1882 – October 2, 1943) was a Canadian-American Black composer, organist, pianist, choral director, and music professor. Born and raised in Canada until the age of 11, he moved to the United States with his family and had most of his professional education and career there. During his lifetime he was a leading Black composer, known for his use of African-American folk songs and spirituals as the basis for choral and piano compositions in the 19th century Romantic style of Classical music.

He was among the first Black composers during the early years after the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers was organized. His works often appeared among the programs of Will Marion Cook's New York Syncopated Orchestra. Dett performed at Carnegie Hall and at the Boston Symphony Hall as a pianist and choir director.

In the 2000s, Dett is remembered most for his work in creating music in the style of the European Romantic composers that incorporated elements of African-American spirituals.

"Suite caractéristique" was published by Clayton Summy in 1913. "His Song" is the second movement of the suite.

I'm guessing that "the Bottoms" that Dett is referring to is the flood plain of the Mississippi River.

The work transcribes from the original piano to the organ nicely. It features the elements of the Negro spiritual, as well as blues, and some hymn-like sections. I made full use of the colors on the PB Hill, which handles the music very well.

The fine transcription was done by Gordon Balch Nevin (1892-1943) was an American composer and organist. whose cousins Ethelbert and Arthur Nevin were composers.

I dedicate this to my fine friend, Leon1949Green, who steered me to the music of Dett a few days ago.

THANKS, Leon, I enjoyed this and hope that you and other listeners will like it as well!

The score and photos of Robert Nathaniel Dett and Gordon Balch Nevin, as well as one of "the Bottoms" are attached below.