Music 301/501 Women in Music

Classical Era

Changes in Philosophical Environment and Politics

·         Changes in the French court (and others) are evident after the death of Louis XIV (1715): less formality, more intimacy and “frivolous” enjoyment.

·         In music this leads to the style galant, which ended the conventionalized affects of Baroque music and placed emphasis on homophonic texture (usually melody plus simple accompaniment) and balanced, 4-bar phrasing

·         In the late 18^th Century, another philosophical and political shift occurs: the Age of Reason leads to dominance of Natural Law, the idea that moral standards for human behavior are inherent.  This leads to revolutionary notions about equality, and revolutions in America and France are important events before the end of the century

·         In music, there are some more literal attempts to apply natural law to music, but the indirect result is a more serious tone to music because of the revolutions and emphasis on serious philosophy

·         The revolutionary climate causes rulers to try to ward off revolutions by lightening tax burdens; this results in less money to sustain the court/patronage system, and many artists must find new means of support by the turn of the century

·         Through the 18^th century, Austro-Germany becomes increasingly dominant in music; by 1800, Vienna is a major musical capitol.  Other important courts in the 18^th Century are at Weimar, Leipzig, Berlin and Munich

Berlin and the court of Frederick the Great (King of Prussia, reigned 1740-1786)

·         Two important women composers were related to Frederick, his sister and his niece

·         Anna Amalia, Princess of Prussia (1723-1787)

·         Studied harpsichord and piano from about 17later studied violin and organ. 

·         Started composing in her 30's; began counterpoint study age 35

·         Most of her works are instrumental

·         Example: March for the Regiment of Graf Lottum (1767)

·         Anna Amalia, Duchess of Saxe-Weimar (1739-1807)

·         Studied composition from time of marriage to the Duke of Saxe-Weimar.  She was largely responsible for artistic elevation of Weimar court. 

·         A library in Weimar bears her name (partially destroyed by fire in 2004)

·         The library is next to the Liszt Conservatory in Weimar

·         Singspiel: a comic genre with songs and spoken dialogue.  Often had fantasy elements in plot; also sometimes didactic ("School Plays" were predecessor).  Music often folk-like

·         Example: Erwin und Elmire; text by Goethe

Vienna

·         Maria Theresia von Paradis (1759-1824) named for Empress of Austria but not related

·         Began study of piano and singing; achievement more remarkable because of her blindness from age 2.

·         From age 16 began public performances; from age 24 began concert tours in Paris, London, other parts of Germany. 

·         Studied composition with Salieri among others

·         Example: Sicilienne

·         Marianne Martinez (1744-1812) also from Vienna.  Also had extensive performing career; composed numerous sonatas and concerti for her own use.  Also many arias, a mass, some sacred works

·         Studied keyboard with Haydn, counterpoint with Porpora

·         Example: Sonata in A: 3 movement sonata; each movement is binary