Solo Trumpet Repertoire by African American Composers

Wilson, Orrin. “The Contributions of Twentieth Century African American Composers to the Solo Trumpet Repertoire: A Discussion and Analysis of Selected Works by Ulysses S. Kay, Adolphus C. Hailstork, Regina Harris Baiocchi, and Charles Lloyd, Jr.” DMA diss., University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2011.

While there has been a constant growth in the academic study of African American composers who have written concert and recital music, their contributions to the solo trumpet repertoire has received far less attention. Many African American composers’ works stretch far beyond the realm of spirituals, folk songs, choral works, jazz, and popular music. The composers covered here are noteworthy because they represent just a few of the various African American musicians who have composed works for the solo trumpet. Each composer’s work represents cultural and historical trends intended to counter negative perceptions of African American culture. These composers also represent the stylistic components that are associated with recognizable elements of African American music within the African American nationalistic vernacular, including call and response, the use of spirituals, and jazz influences. Focuses on the following works: Ulysses Simpson Kay, Tromba for Trumpet and Piano; Adolphus Cunningham Hailstork, Sonata for Trumpet and Piano; Regina Harris Baiocchi, Miles Per Hour for Unaccompanied Trumpet; and Charles Lloyds Jr., The Crucifixion for Trumpet and Piano. (Author’s abstract, abridged and revised)