Search - 16 Women Composers (1841-1994), Katharine Boyes :: Piano Portraits of the Seasons by Women Composers

"Piano Portraits of the Seasons" unveils the achievements of women as the first recording of piano music, composed exclusively by women, portraying the seasons of the year. The collection features compositions by 16 composers, representing 5 countries (France, Germany, Japan, the United States, and Norway), and spans over 150 years (1841-1994). It features 15 compositions never previously recorded including the earliest known piano composition by an African -American woman. The music moves through a variety of moods: reflective, joyful, energetic, and spans classical through popular styles. Women in Music History: Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the piano has been an expressive medium for the musical creativity of women composers. At the beginning of the 19th century, many women composers found that their gender and social status prevented their compositions from being publicly performed or published. Gradually, towards the end of the century, women composers found public venues for performances of their music. As the 20th century progressed, women composers were acknowledged as having voices that should be heard and their talents were recognized through public performances, commissions, and awards. Rhythms of the Seasons: The seasons and months of the year represent a theme that women composers have been drawn to throughout the past two centuries, perhaps because a woman's life is significantly influenced by cyclic events. One might associate music portraying the seasons with male composers such as Vivaldi and his famous violin concerti, "The Four Seasons", and the oratorio "The Seasons" by Haydn. The various styles and forms of music featured on "Piano Portraits of the Seasons" demonstrate that the seasonal theme transcends gender, historical and stylistic boundaries.