Home / Arts and Entertainment / Hidden Piano Queens' Music Resurfaces
Hidden Piano Queens' Music Resurfaces
8 Oct
Summary
- Susan Tomes researched female pianists for a book.
- Many female composers wrote for domestic music circles.
- Forgotten works by Martines, von Auenbrugger, and Carreño are highlighted.
A captivating collection, born from pianist Susan Tomes' extensive research into the lives of female pianists throughout history, has brought neglected musical works to the forefront. Tomes discovered that many of these accomplished women, often restricted to domestic circles, also penned original compositions.
Among the featured artists is Marianne Martines, who received musical instruction from Haydn. Her sonata in A major is noted for its Scarlatti-like brilliance. Another is Marianna von Auenbrugger, a pupil of Salieri, whose E-flat major sonata, recorded here, echoes Mozart's style.
While Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Cécile Chaminade are more familiar names, the compilation also introduces Polish virtuoso Maria Agata Szymanowska and Venezuelan pianist Teresa Carreño. Carreño, who performed for Abraham Lincoln, composed "Un Bal en Rêve," a piece that predates "Happy Birthday" by a quarter-century. Raie Da Costa's "Razor Blades" is also presented.
Tomes' sensitive interpretations, supported by Hyperion's natural sound recording, allow these polite and appealing compositions to effectively showcase their merit.
