Today (March 8th) is International Women’s Day! “International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.” There are many talented female musicians in the past and present.
One example is Clara Schumann, a pianist and composer from the Romantic Period. Evidence suggests that her works and performances were more favoured than her husband, Robert Schumann‘s, yet she tirelessly promoted his works. He in turn supported her but they were constricted by the expectations of a patriarch society. Her picture was on the 100 Deutsche Mark from 1989 to 2002.
Some of her works:
– Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, Op. 16, No. 1
– Scherzo No 2, Opus 14
– Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22
– Trio in G Minor, Op. 17
– ‘Liebst du um Schönheit,’ Op. 12, No. 2 (translation “If you love for beauty”; performed by our local Elektra Women’s Choir)
– Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 7 (written when she was only 16)
– Scherzo, Opus 10
– Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann
– Liebesfrühling (Love’s Spring), Op. 37, No. 2, 4, and 11 (collaboration with her husband Robert Schumann)