3 Important Composers Parents and Babies Should Know
There are 3 important composers’ music you and your baby should know. But, they probably aren’t the ones you might think they are. These 3 important composers are women!
There are and have been very good women composers. They are much more front-and-center in classical music than they used to be. You and your baby have the chance to listen to the music of these women composers. However, that has not always been the case.
For centuries, women composers have written beautiful music. However, the male-dominated field of composing and performing would not recognize their achievements.
Sadly, in the past, women simply had limited opportunities to have composing and performing careers. Men considered it their sphere of influence. Hence, they successfully them shut out.
In fact, it has only been in the last 30-40 years or so that anyone has really researched women composers. Now, you and your baby have much more information about them and their music.
In college, I recall learning about exactly one woman composer. Our music history class text book gave just a passing nod to French composer, conductor, and teacher, Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979).
That was only because she was not afraid to put herself out there. She eventually taught such notable composers and Igor Stravinksky and Aaron Copland.
It didn’t cross my mind that a woman could actually be a composer. Thankfully, that has changed for the better!
But, we need to do more research. Women composers’ music also must become much more common on concerts. The way that will happen is to introduce their music to audiences.
Therefore, I believe that we should start with the youngest of listeners: your baby! Children need to know about the women who wrote music in the past. That will give them a better appreciation of the work women composers do now.
Help Your Baby Meet These Women Composers
Marianna von Martines
Marianna von Martines (1744-1812) began her musical career at a young age in Vienna, Austria. She grew up living in the same building as several composers and writers. They were people who would support her in her music studies and performing career.
Composer and singing teacher Nicola Porpora helped develop her singing voice. A young, struggling Franz Joseph Haydn also lived in the building. He taught Marianna keyboard lessons.
Haydn also accompanied Marianna when she went to study music composition with the Imperial Court composer. Haydn would eventually become a famous composer. Marianna’s compositions did not receive the attention they deserved.
The famous poet, Metastasio, lived in that same building as well. He was a family friend and the one who brought together these people to help Marianna.
Marianna had a beautiful voice and was an impressive keyboard player. Empress Maria Theresa frequently asked her to perform at the royal court. But, she mainly composed sacred music for church choirs.
However, her secular works were also very popular. They were part of many private salon concerts. Marianna often hosted these concerts in her home.
Mozart, other composers, and performers frequently attended these musical parties. Marianna was actually well-connected and a driving force in the Vienna music scene.
Marianna von Martines was a celebrated performer and composer in her time. Sadly, she would never be given the same chance as a man to hold a coveted job as a court musician.
In fact, her compositions may have been better than the average composer at the time. There is some evidence that there was an effort to get rid of her music after her death. Undoubtedly, her colleagues must have been jealous.
Marianna could have easily taken on those duties with her musical ability, knowledge. See what you think. Listen to her Ouverture in C Major (also called Sinfonia in C Major).
Teresa Carreno
Teresa Carreno (1853-1917) was a pianist, singer, composer, conductor, and teacher. She was born in Venezuela and grew up in a musical family.
They came to New York City in 1862 to begin her performing career. She concertized as a pianist on the East Coast of the US until 1866. In fact, she performed for Abraham Lincoln at the White House in 1863.
In 1866, she made her concert debut in Paris, France. Carreno continued to perform all across Europe and England. In addition to her piano performances, she also became a well-known opera singer.
Carreno also composed approximately 75 works for piano, voice, choir and orchestra, and chamber works. One of the chamber works is the String Quartet in B-minor written in 1896. Here is the first movement of the string quartet.
Cecile Chaminade
Cecile Chaminade (1857-1944) was a French composer and pianist. She studied piano, violin, and music composition at the Paris Conservatory. All her studies were “unofficial” because her father did not want her to have a musical education.
She began composing at the age of eight. Georges Bizet (most famous for his opera Carmen) heard some of her early pieces and encouraged her to keep composing. She would compose over 400 pieces of music in her lifetime.
By the time she was eighteen, Chaminade was composing full-time. As a pianist, she toured France and England several times. She was a favorite of Queen Victoria.
In 1908, she toured the United States and performed in many concert halls, including Carnegie Hall. Her piano compositions were extremely popular and could be found in the music libraries of many amateur pianists.
Chaminade and her music were so popular that “Chaminade Clubs” sprang up all over the country. Unfortunately, this just fueled criticism that her music was “too feminine” and not worthy of public performance.
This was the attitude toward woman composers in the past even well into the mid to late 20th Century.
Most of Chaminade’s compositions were never published. However, her Concertino for Flute has become a staple in the flute repertoire. It is widely programmed and performed today.
Add Women Composers’ Music to Your Baby’s Playlist
You and your baby can grow and learn many things through music. Here is a list of well-known composers and their music. Use it to help you begin a playlist for your baby. Then, add on the three women composers you learned about in this post. Play their music often for your baby.
If babies grow up hearing the music of women composers, then their music will be come more popular and mainstream. Also, ALL children need to know that they can study music. They can become performers and/or composers.
Who knows that perhaps your baby will grow up to write music that touches the human heart and soul with its beauty. Would that they each are given an equal opportunity to share their music.
Suzuki Early Childhood Education Baby Class
Suzuki ECE Baby Class is a wonderful opportunity for you and your baby to develop a deep relationship with each other through musical activities. These same activities will help your baby grow and develop life skills. The activities will also help you with your parenting skills. See our Resource page for more information.
On the “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey” with you,
Susan
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