#ClassicsaDay #WomensHistoryMonth Week 5, 2023
By Ralph Graves
March is Women’s History Month. And for Classics a Day, it’s another opportunity to focus on classical music composed by women. And not just composers in the 21st Century.
Every year when we do this theme, I discover more female composers whose music I have never heard before. But it’s music that deserves to be heard — and more than once.
Here are my posts for the fifth and final week of Women’s History Month, 2023.
03/28/22 Emilie Mayer (1812–1883) – String Quartet in G minor, Op. 14
Mayer was the Associate Director of the Opera Academy in Berlin. Her composing career took off after a concert of her works in 1850. Mayer wrote seven string quartets. Her G minor quartet was published in 1858.
03/29/22 Louise Farrenc (1804–1875) – Cello Sonata in B-flat major, Op. 46
Farrenc was well-known as a pianist and composer. Most of her works were for chamber ensembles. Her cello sonata was published in 1858, and most likely premiered with Farrenc at the piano.
03/30/22 Marianne von Martinez (1744-1812) – Sonata for Piano in E major
Martinez was well-known in 18th Century Vienna, both as a pianist and composer. She often gave command performances for Empress Maria Theresa.
03/31/22 Sophia Giustina Dussek (1775 – ca. 1831) – Harp Sonata in C minor, Op. 3, No. 3
Sophia Guistina was married to Jan Ladislav Dussek. She was a pianist, harpist, and composer. Her most popular works were her sonatas for harp.
Next month:
