The National Symphony Orchestra presents a new recording of William Grant Still's Symphony No.2 "Song of a New Race" and Symphony No.4 "Autochthonous." Bringing together two of his most significant large-scale works, this album highlights Still's pivotal contribution to 20th-century American orchestral music and offers a vivid portrait of his evolving artistic vision. These symphonies lie at the core of Still's output, each engaging deeply with themes of cultural identity, national character, and the diverse influences that shape the American musical landscape. Heard together, they reveal the breadth of Still's symphonic voice and help address the limited recorded representation of his major orchestral works. Released at a moment of renewed attention to America's cultural heritage, the album aligns with America 250-the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Together, the NSO and Gianandrea Noseda offer these works as a meaningful contribution to the ongoing story of America's musical legacy.
