Hard Trials: The Life and Music of Harry T. Burleigh

This is a scholarly study of Harry T. Burleigh (1866-1949), the composer, arranger, singer, and music editor. An Erie, Pennsylvania native, Burleigh graduated from the National Conservatory of Music in New York, where he became friends with Dvorak and was the first Negro to sing in St. George's Episcopal Church and Temple Emanu-El choirs. He was recognized as the first Negro American art song composer and arranger of spirituals for concert use. Biographical chapters, which also depict the larger American musical scene and its singers from 1914 to 1935, are followed by background and analyses of Burleigh's compositions (art songs, instrumental works, arrangements of spirituals), a discography, catalogue of works, extensive bibliography, chapter notes, and detailed index. With many photos and musical examples.