French born Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944) was arguably one of the best known women to compose music in her lifetime and was extremely popular in America. Known for her salon pieces, Chaminade also scored many large works. She was able to achieve a strong music...
The life of Francesca Caccini (1587- after 1641) provides another example of a woman fortunate to be born into a family supportive of her musical pursuits. Caccini’s father was an accomplished musician, composer, and educator and gave his daughter every opportunity...
Though she is often remembered as the only female member of Les Six, the history books often neglect the life and work of Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983) beyond that point. French by birth, she changed her name from Taillefesse to Tailleferre as a young woman in...
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s day – so why not listen to some music that was inspired by celtic roots? The first to come to mind is Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony: But not to be neglected is Margaret Ruthven Lang’s “Irish Love Song”: And while you listen to some...
Today is the 346th birthday of Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre. Born in Paris March 17, 1665, was a child prodigy who, at the age of five, gave a harpsichord concert for King Louis XIV. She continued as a court musician until her marriage in 1684, but continued to give...
