PODCAST · arts

Rubinstein Staccato Etude by R. Nathaniel Dett

by Loyal Books

This poem, read by 16 Volunteers, describes the ups and downs and emotional frenzy of The Rubinstein Staccato Etude. The author, R. Nathaniel Dett, was a composer, organist, pianist and music professor. While born in Canada, he spent most of his professional career in the United States. During his lifetime he was a leading Black composer, known for his use of African-American folk songs and spirituals as the basis for choral and piano compositions in the 19th century Romantic style of Classical music. Right click this link to listen to the piece played on piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2AdJ2JVpw8