How racism affected Marian Anderson's vocal classification
Clip: 2/8/2022 | 1m 24sVideo has Closed Captions
Though Marian Anderson could sing both high and low notes, she was billed as a contralto.
Marian Anderson was billed as a contralto, the lowest possible female voice, even though she could also sing the high notes of a soprano. "I believed that Marian Anderson was not classified as a soprano is because that would mean that she would be the love interest of a white counterpart, which was not accepted at all at the time," said opera singer Denyce Graves.
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...
How racism affected Marian Anderson's vocal classification
Clip: 2/8/2022 | 1m 24sVideo has Closed Captions
Marian Anderson was billed as a contralto, the lowest possible female voice, even though she could also sing the high notes of a soprano. "I believed that Marian Anderson was not classified as a soprano is because that would mean that she would be the love interest of a white counterpart, which was not accepted at all at the time," said opera singer Denyce Graves.
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Denyce Graves and others discuss Marian Anderson's legacy
Video has Closed Captions
Celebrate Marian Anderson in this event with Denyce Graves, George Shirley and others. (1h 2m 5s)
Marian Anderson overcame discrimination with Danbury farm
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Anderson bought her beloved farm in Danbury, CT, with her husband, Orpheus Fisher. (1m 34s)
Marian Anderson's love of fashion and shoes
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Marian Anderson had a vast collection of couture clothing. (1m 37s)
Marian Anderson's singing recalls America's racial unrest
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"Crucifixion" recalled the racial unrest Marian Anderson saw during her time in Chicago. (3m 14s)
Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands
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Explore the life of the famous singer who became an icon for the civil rights movement. (1m 4s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...