Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Type

Submission

Keywords

Germany, Female Composers, Classical Music, Anna Magdalena Bach, Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann

Department

Music

Major

Music (Applied Voice)

Abstract

German classical music is known for its prolific composers who changed Western music as we know it, such as J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Robert Schumann. However, music history does not place as great an emphasis on their sisters and wives who were also incredibly gifted musicians. The goal of this study is to create a paper that elaborates on their lives and music while emphasizing their struggles when it comes to gender limitations.

For my research, I chose to focus on Anna Magdalena Bach, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Clara Schumann. I compiled a biography of each woman, with particular emphasis on their music and the struggles they dealt with as a female in that period.

I found that each of these women were equally, if not more, gifted than their male counterparts and had great potential to be one of the finest composers and musicians that Western classical music had ever known. The limitations placed on them by European society at that time sadly stifled them, however, they still found ways to create and perform the music they loved.

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Gary W. Cobb

Funding Source or Research Program

Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative

Location

Waves Cafeteria

Start Date

24-3-2023 2:00 PM

End Date

24-3-2023 4:00 PM

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Mar 24th, 2:00 PM Mar 24th, 4:00 PM

Unheard Melodies: The Songs and Sorrows of German Female Composers, 1700-1900

Waves Cafeteria

German classical music is known for its prolific composers who changed Western music as we know it, such as J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Robert Schumann. However, music history does not place as great an emphasis on their sisters and wives who were also incredibly gifted musicians. The goal of this study is to create a paper that elaborates on their lives and music while emphasizing their struggles when it comes to gender limitations.

For my research, I chose to focus on Anna Magdalena Bach, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Clara Schumann. I compiled a biography of each woman, with particular emphasis on their music and the struggles they dealt with as a female in that period.

I found that each of these women were equally, if not more, gifted than their male counterparts and had great potential to be one of the finest composers and musicians that Western classical music had ever known. The limitations placed on them by European society at that time sadly stifled them, however, they still found ways to create and perform the music they loved.

 

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