Feminism and Classical Music

Term Paper # 101824

Music Studies > Classical and Baroque
Women Studies
Women Studies > Feminism
Women Studies > Historical Figures

This paper discusses the feminist roles of composers Amy Beach and Clara Schumann in the Romantic era.

2,379 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how Amy Beach and Clara Schumann helped to advance the greater participation of women in a patriarchal music culture of the Romantic era. The paper discusses the parental influences of both Beach and Schumann as well as their innate talents. The paper looks at how their pioneering efforts on the touring circuits would pave the way for other female performers to be able to compose and perform.

From the Paper:

"Although the term feminism was not present in the time of Amy Beach, her family often supported her desire to become an accomplished musician when she was a young girl. In a modern sense, Beach's father was considered "progressive", since he wished to see her learn and be able to perform music as a major part of her educational development. Amy Beach (1867-1944) was a woman that beheld many talents, and when she was younger, she was considered a childhood prodigy. Her main instrument was the piano, on which she had already written her first song at the age of four. The obvious signs of her talent were noticed by her parents, who were supportive of her musical training."

Sample of Sources Used:

Burnstein, L. Poundie. "Their Paths, Her Ways: A Comparison of Text Settings by Clara Schumann and Other Composers." Women & Music 2002. 11-28 Gale Group: Thomas Gale Database. 21 February, 2007 <www.galegroup.com>
Block, Adrienne Fried. Amy Beach: Passionate Victorian: The Life and Work of an American Composer, 1869-1944. New York: Oxford University press, 1998.
Brown, Jeanell Wise. Amy Beach and Her Chamber Music: Biography, Documents, Style. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1994.
Chissel. Clara Schumann, A Dedicated Spirit: A Study of Her Life and Work. New York: Taplinger, 1983.
Crawford, Richard. America's Musical Life. New York/London: W.W. Norton, 2001.

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APA Citation:

Feminism and Classical Music (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Term-Paper-Feminism-and-Classical-Music/101824