ListN Up is a weekly series of artist-curated playlists that offer an intimate sonic portrait of contemporary artists by showcasing the diverse and stylistically varied music that influences their creative practice.
Composer, performer, and social justice artist Anthony R. Green (b. 1984, he/him/his) has had projects, collaborations, and works presented in 25+ countries across four continents. Recent works have explored Blackness in relationship with queerness, marginalization, and Christianity. He is also associate director and co-founder of Castle of our Skins: celebrating Black Artistry through Music.
Hello everyone! Many people always comment upon the diversity of styles that are within my own music, and this definitely comes from the diversity of styles of music that I grew up with and loved and cherished when I was coming into my own as a person, as a musician, and definitely as a composer. The list of pieces and songs and wonderful works that you will find in this playlist hopefully represents some of that diversity that has been influenced by my own curiosity and definitely by my international travels. I hope you enjoy and thank you so much!
“I Am Mongolian” by Fish Symboled Stamp
When I was an invited guest artist at the Piet Zwart Instituut in Rotterdam, one of the students there introduced me to this wonderful Mongolian Rap Duo. When I started listening to their music, all I could think of was how influential Black people have been around the world, and how we can’t even measure our influence. While I don’t necessarily LOVE everything they produce, this particular blending of cultures and production hits me in a unique way.
Lagos (Preface) by Ibukun Sunday
I first came across Ibukun Sunday during a residency in Kumasi, Ghana. He worked with the incredible and emerging performance artist Martin Toluku, and Martin introduced me to Sunday. You can learn more about his artistry in this short documentary.
Untitled by Sarah Pitan
Performance. Philosophy. Coincidence. Aesthetic. Continuous questioning … the journey is the focal point in this project.
Komeng by Mokale Koapeng, performed by Odeion String Quartet
In my never-ending journey to find incredible “classical” music by Black composers across the world, I came across Mokale and his wonderful practice. This string quartet moves me so much, even though it’s so short! We both attended the VICC residency in Sweden (sadly at different times), and it was such an honor to play a miniature of his for Castle of our Skins’ first Black Composer Miniature Challenge!
etherium by David Dogan, performed by the Lilac Project
The colors, the space, the tension, the exploration, the interpretation … everything in this transcendental piece and recording transports me to where I want to be. Dogan’s artistry is divine, and I look forward to hearing more and more and more.
Ballade Op. 15 by Teresa Carreño, performed by Alexandra Oehler
Born in Venezuela in 1853, Carreño was giving recitals at the age of 9, playing virtuoso works by Liszt, herself, and others. She composed music as early as 6, and her first published work – The Gottschalk Waltz – is dedicated to her first official composition mentor. I had the pleasure of teaching a course called “… they think these bodies can’t: otherism in classical music composition” at the Berlin University of the Arts, and one of my students introduced me to Carreño for her final presentation. I am eternally grateful.
Piano Concerto No. 2 by Margaret Rosezarian Harris
Not much is known about Margaret Harris, but nothing but respect comes from those who did know her. I hope that more scholarship is done and more recordings are found. This concerto has a fire that is difficult to be matched.
String Quartet No. 3 by Forbes Graham, performed by JACK Quartet
An incredible thinker, trumpet player, improviser, curator, and composer, it’s been such a pleasure getting to chat with and listen to the music of such a wonderful soul. Enjoy this marvelous piece, and definitely check out more from Forbes!
“I Need to Take This” by Joshua Baerwald
Having had the pleasure of teaching at the University of Hartford, I was extremely pleased with all of my students. This particular work from Baerwald is an incredible blend of community, education, video, visual art, music composition, improvisation, and inquiry. It’s a combination that speaks volumes to current trends in artistic creation. This project was supervised by the incredible artist Adam Lenz, and it was great to help a bit, as well.
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