The noted publication Musical America recalled Amy Beach’s travels and concertizing a century ago, by reprinting an article from October 17, 1914 that interviewed the composer and gave details of her trip.
Musical America offered links to a scanned version of the original article (PDF), and also to a reprinting of the text. Written during Beach’s shipboard return following several years in Europe, it notes her successful performances, both as a pianist, and also by ensembles, including major orchestras. The author also gives us a sense of Beach’s personality, for instance, when Beach is asked if she plans to write an opera, “Her face lit up. It is a most expressive one, by the way, and her blue eyes talk out of it very winningly.” And the origins of Beach’s “hit” song, “The Year’s At The Spring,” are recounted. Enjoy!