In addition to good books, Black History Month is a time for good music, and not just the modern works of those like John Coltrane and Beyoncé. There are also classical works by legendary composers, and here are three that everyone should learn about and listen to.

1. Basile Barès (1845-1902)

Born into slavery, Barès obtained a copyright on his music before being emancipated; no other enslaved composer did this. At the age of 16, he composed his most famous piece, “Grande polka des Chasseurs à Pied de la Louisiane,”  and went on to achieve notoriety in France. He also called for desegregating the French Opera House, and led a boycott for the fair treatment of its Black performers.

I love to listen to Barès’ music during meals and tea times. My most favorite of his works is the “Regina Valse”.

2. Edmond Dédé (1827-1903)

Unlike Barès, Dédé was not born into slavery and was from a family that had been free for three generations. After learning to play the clarinet as a child, he went to study violin, and one of his teachers was the Black American composer Charles-Richard Lambert. Dédé went on to settle in France where he worked as a composer at the Grand Théâtre  and Théâtre l’Alcazar of Bordeaux. He also briefly returned to the U.S. to play at benefit concerts organized by the Citizens Committee. This Committee was a group of activisits who fought against racial segregation and helped to launch the Plessy vs. Ferguson case.

I love to listen to Dédé’s music during holidays and gatherings with friends and family. My most favorite of his works is “Mirliton fin de siècle”.

3. Lucien Lambert (1858-1945)

Though born in France, Lambert’s came from a prominent family of Black American composers. His father was Charles Lambert who had left the U.S. to escape segregation, and wrote notable pieces such as “L’Américaine“. After a successful career in France, he moved to Portugal where he worked as a pianist for Emperor Pedro II. He also made recordings for the Pathe Company, and was possibly the first Black classical composer to ever be recorded.

I love to listen to Lambert’s music while reading, writing, and reflecting. My most favorite of his works is “Bresiliana”.

And don’t forget about this guy. LOL!

Though I became a pastor, I was inspired to learn to play the piano after encountering the works of Barès, Dédé, and Lambert. Here is a piece that I wrote called, “Jadyè (Goodbye)“, and it is based on an old Black-Creole wake song from my family’s home parish of Pointe Coupée.