Women composers of the 19th-21st centuries: Sounds from pop culture to high culture (part 1 of 4)
Taking their rightful place in the spotlight that shines on the world of musical composition, scores of women composers exude a rich, creative, successful tradition of musical artistry. From the 19th century to today these dynamic and creative musical artists have provided some of the most exciting, colorful, dramatic and beautiful works scored for orchestras, chamber music ensembles, choral ensembles, opera companies, as well as soundtracks for films, television and video games. The musical tradition and impact of women composers throughout the history of the second millennium has remained an invaluable aspect of the art form.
Clara Wieck Schumann (1819-1896) was one of the most important composers of 19th century Europe. Recognized as a child prodigy at age 9 her pianistic performances drew attention and acclaim. Like Mozart before her, her father inspired, supported and in her case taught her to play the piano. Just two years later, Clara Wieck composed her first Scherzo for Orchestra in 1830 at the age of 11. By 1835 at age 16 symphonist Felix Mendelssohn, violin virtuoso Paganini, the great pianist Frederick Chopin and composer Robert Schumann had recognized her musical genius. Ultimately her artistic output would include such works as her concertos for piano and orchestra as well as numerous solo works for piano. With this acclaim one of the most influential female composers of the romantic era in western musical thought began a career that served as a model and launched women composers into the mainstream of the musical world in the 20th and 21st centuries.
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