Women classical composers – the April Edition

As is the case with all too many things historical, the talent of women composers is underrepresented in the genre of classical music. In spite of the odds being against them women wrote, and continue to write, exceptional classical music that can be enjoyed today. They deserve more exposure, so it feels like a good idea to do my bit to mitigate our cultural musical myopia.

Below are four female classical composers whose works I enjoy, with links to songs for each of them.

 

Elisabetta Brusa (April 3, 1954) is an Italian composer. She started writing piano pieces as a child.

• Orchestral Works, excerpts from Naxos CD Vol.2

 

Germaine Tailleferre (image source)

Germaine Tailleferre (April 19, 1892 – November 7, 1983) was a French composer and the only female member of the group of composers known as Les Six.

• Concertino pour harpe et piano (1927)
• Berceuse (1913)

 

 

 

 

Ethel Smyth (image source)

Dame Ethel Mary Smyth (April 23, 1858 – May 8, 1944) was an English composer and suffragist. Her father was very opposed to her making a career in music.

• The Wreckers Overture
• March of the Women

 

 

 

 

 

Luise Adolpha Le Beau (April 25, 1850 – July 17, 1927) took piano lessons with one of my favourite female pianist and composers, Clara Schumann.

Luise Adolpha Le Beau (image source)

• Piano Concerto in D-minor, Op.37
• Violin Sonata op. 10