Proclaimed an American national holiday two years ago, the Church of Satan celebrates independence, sovereignty, and emancipation from imposed servitude on this Juneteenth, 2023. Our unique banner design for this holiday, a variation rendered by myself, includes 19 vertices between the two stars, to mark the date, while the central star is inverted to symbolize our carnal philosophy, which has always championed liberty and individualism.
Skilled and prolific composer William Grant Still was born on May 11th, 1895, almost 30 years following the event celebrated today, June 19, 1865. On that date, Major General Gordon Granger, a Civil War Union General, issued an order in Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved individuals were to be freed under the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863—many had not been informed of their liberation until Granger’s announcement.
Still’s works include 5 symphonies, 9 operas, 4 ballets, numerous chamber and choral works as well as music for film. Written in 1930 at age 35, his Symphony No. 1 in A-flat major, “Afro-American,” was for many years the most performed symphony by an American composer. The music, he said, was “…meant to capture the sons of the soil, who still retain so many of the traits peculiar to their African forebears…” The score incorporates blues styled melodies and harmonies, and a tenor banjo is included in the deft and colorful orchestration.
At about 24 minutes in length, it is a beautiful work in four movements, certainly worth your time to enjoy while reflecting on this day of remembrance. I’m linking to a fine performance by Leon Botstein and The Orchestra Now from 2018. Here’s to to self-determination—Hail Liberty!
—Magus Peter H. Gilmore