Collective Listening Project

Clarinetist Anthony McGill Selects

Playlist No. 16

About the Playlist

June 18, 2020
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This week, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic Anthony McGill asked the classical music community to #TakeTwoKnees to protest racism. It is with this spirit of solidarity that we share his curated playlist:

HENRY PURCELL: When I Am Laid in Earth
“This piece and Jessye’s voice make tears come to my eyes. So much beauty you have to think of the goodness in the world as well as the pain.”

FLORENCE PRICE: Symphony No. 1
“This is a beautiful work by one of our great composers. Makes me wonder why I’ve never played this in 20 years with orchestras and many other pieces like this.”

SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR: Clarinet Quintet, Op. 10
“I just recorded this work with the Catalyst Quartet, to be released this year on Azica Records, and it is a masterpiece. Also don’t know why it isn’t performed more often. I’ll try to fix that!”

NINA SIMONE: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
“This piece says a lot. So simple, so powerful, and yet so deep.”

RHIANNON GIDDENS: Ten Thousand Voices
“I had the pleasure of meeting her on a call the other day. And she is amazing. Her art is simply thoughtful, powerful, and beautiful.”

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