Gender and Society: Female Composers of the 19th Century
Schumann, Mendelssohn, Mozart. People around the world recognize these as names of famous composers. However, most people naturally assume these refer to the male composers Robert, Felix, and Wolfgang Amadeus. While these men were extremely gifted in their work, there were women in their families who were equally talented. In particular, Clara Wieck Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel contributed greatly to the world of classical music. Their music is as unique, challenging, and inspirational as those of their male counterparts. However, life was not always easy for them. They faced adversity as women trying to make a living during the nineteenth century in a field dominated by males. Thus, much of their work was never even published, and most people today do not know of their contributions to the music world. Despite oppression by the gender ideology of their time, Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn were able to contribute greatly to the tradition of classical music, and in turn pave the way for future female composers.
Main Points
women had to be escorted
expected to cook, clean, and take care of the children
purpose was to pleasure men (body and mind)
Clara Schumann
father gave her best of everything, taught her piano
fell in love with his student, Robert Schumann
saw herself first as musician, second as mother, third as composer
did not believe in herself (compared to male composers)
Robert unsupportive and unstable
compared to Liszt, Thalberg, and Rubenstein
Fanny Mendelssohn
childhood prodigy like brother
his quartet (1822) vs her quartet (1990s)
opportunities
brother/father
mother/husband
Why I chose this:
I have always had a strong passion for music. I enjoy singing and playing piano in my spare time, and I'm a music minor. While taking a music class this semester, we briefly discussed female composers and touched on Clara Weitz Schumman and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel. I found their stories intriguing and was excited to learn more about them. I hope you all have learned something interesting about female composers and the impact they've had.
Main Points
women had to be escorted
expected to cook, clean, and take care of the children
purpose was to pleasure men (body and mind)
Clara Schumann
father gave her best of everything, taught her piano
fell in love with his student, Robert Schumann
saw herself first as musician, second as mother, third as composer
did not believe in herself (compared to male composers)
Robert unsupportive and unstable
compared to Liszt, Thalberg, and Rubenstein
Fanny Mendelssohn
childhood prodigy like brother
his quartet (1822) vs her quartet (1990s)
opportunities
brother/father
mother/husband
Why I chose this:
I have always had a strong passion for music. I enjoy singing and playing piano in my spare time, and I'm a music minor. While taking a music class this semester, we briefly discussed female composers and touched on Clara Weitz Schumman and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel. I found their stories intriguing and was excited to learn more about them. I hope you all have learned something interesting about female composers and the impact they've had.