Marian Anderson

Let Freedom Ring Marian Anderson

Born in 1897, Anderson's parents were cultured and supportive of their children. After her father's death, the family moved to Philadelphia. Anderson was 12. Unable to attend High School (her family was too poor), she pursued her musical ambitions through the church. Supported by the local community - her talent was obvious - she secured informal instruction after being rejected by the Philadelphia Music Academy. In 1925 she won First Prize in a competition organized by the New York Philharmonic. Her career evolved from there - especially in Europe where she was popular. By 1939 Marian Anderson was feted worldwide, but a concert planned for Washington's Constitution Hall was blocked for one reason: she was black. With Eleanor Roosevelt's support the concert took place instead on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It was a triumph - now, perhaps, too little recalled. This release would be merited simply because it is music-making of the highest order, but this is more - it's an important piece of American history. The Copenhagen Concert is a further triumph. Held in especially high regard in Scandinavia (Sibelius adapted some of his works for her), Anderson basks in the audience's affection