An extraordinary talent and an extraordinary woman, Marian Anderson’s voice was described by legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini as one that comes along once in a hundred years. Ms. Anderson was born in Philadelphia in 1897, and was still a little girl when her exceptional musical gifts became apparent. Not only was she a singer, she and her sisters taught themselves how to play the violin and piano, too. Her musical talent was augmented by her personal strength and determination, despite the obstacles put in her way. She applied to the Philadelphia Music Academy and was turned down solely and explicitly because of her race. Then she entered a competition sponsored by the New York Philharmonic, and won first prize over hundreds of other entrants, earning an appearance as a soloist with the orchestra in 1925. Marian Anderson’s 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial is perhaps the best known historical fact about her, and she understood its significance in society at that time, and knew she was blazing important trails, but she was first and foremost a passionate musician devoted to her craft. The contralto had a wide concert repertory that included opera, spirituals, and today’s Beautiful Music: ERBARME DICH, MEIN GOTT from Johann Sebastian Bach’s ST. MATTHEW PASSION. It’s from a June 1946 performance with the RCA Victor Chamber Orchestra conducted by Robert Shaw.
(64) Erbarme dich, mein Gott (Bach) Marian Anderson – YouTube