Atlanta-born composer Carlos Simon is a contemporary pioneer in expanding the language of classical music, with gospel, jazz, folklore and poetry in his daring works. A new album showcasing Carlos Simon’s recent work as composer-in-residence at the Kennedy Center features the National Symphony Orchestra performing “Four Symphonic Works” with conductor Gianandrea Noseda.
Ahead of his performance, Simon joined Lois Reitzes on “City Lights” to discuss the album.
The album opens with “The Block,” inspired by Romare Bearden’s iconic collage of Harlem life. Simon transforms Bearden’s visual palette into sound, capturing the bustling energy of a 1960s city block.
“I wanted to create an orchestral study of what I saw,” Simon said, describing his approach.
“Tales” is a four-part symphony weaving folklore into the orchestral sounds. The movement “Flying Africans,” imagines the mythical flight of enslaved Africans through shimmering strings and spiritual melodies.
