Florence Beatrice Price (April 9, 1887 - June 3, 1953) was an African-American pianist and composer, and the first African-American woman to have a piece played by a major symphony orchestra. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Price's first piano teacher was her mother, a music educator, and Price's first recital was at the age of 4. After high school (which she graduated top of her class), she studied piano and organ at the New England Conservatory, and pretended to be Mexican, due to the stigma that African-Americans faced during that era. She also studied composition and counterpoint with George Chadwick and Frederick Converse, and graduated in 1906 with honors.

Price wrote all manner of works---symphonic, choral, chamber, and many works for piano, including a short, fun piece entitled The Goblin and the Mosquito. Clocking in around a minute, it's a fun, salon-like showpiece. You can only imagine a gruff goblin being bothered and chased by a mosquito in this fun work, filled with glissandos and fun clusters of notes hopping around. It's short, fun, and delightful!

Here's a recording of this fun work for you to enjoy!
Michael Lewin