DEBORAH HAYES
CLASSIC WOMEN MUSICIANS
European and American Women
Composers of the Late Eighteenth
and Early Nineteenth Centuries
Repertoire
As a result of continuing research, the music of Classic women is increasingly available to performing musicians and their audiences. More music is available on CDs and streaming services. YouTube videos include performances by professionals and amateurs, including students.
Some of the composers gained international recognition. Some wrote music for publication for the growing amateur market or for performance in public concerts. Some of these musicians were in the employ of royalty. Some composed and performed music for private gatherings. A few remained anonymous, publishing as “A Lady.”
Here is a sampling of recent performances available online :
By Marianne Martines (1744–1812), active at the Vienna court:
• Piano Concerto in A Major, performed by students at the Mozarteum in Salzburg
• Overture (Sinfonia) in C Major, at the 2020 Festival de Música Española de Léon
• ‘Dixit Dominus’ (setting of Ps.110) performed at the Eastman School
By Maddelena Lombardini-Sirmen (1745–1818), Italian composer and concert violinist:
• String Quartet in B-flat, op. 3, no. 2 performed by the Salonnière Quartet
• Violin Concerto in B-flat, performed by AngéIica Gámеz, vn; Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia; Lina GonzáIеz Granados, cond.
By Anna Amalia, Duchess of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (1739–1807):
• Overture to Erwin und Elmire (Singspiel, 1776) performed on period instruments by the Academy of Ancient Music, Richard Efarr, cond.
By Marie Emmanuelle Bayon-Louis (1746–1825), noted fortepianist and teacher:
• Overture to Fleur d’Épine (“Mayflower,” opéra comique, 1776), performed on period instruments by the Academy of Ancient Music, Richard Efarr, cond.