Women Composers of Classical Music - by Mary F McVicker (Paperback)

About the Book

From the 1500s through the 1900s there were a surprising number of women composing classical music. Many were successful, finding venues for both publishing and performing their music; others found the social barriers for women impossible to overcome. This book provides access to these composers, both well known and obscure. Arranged chronologically by era, each section is divided into countries. For each female composer within a country, a brief biographical sketch is provided, as well as a description of her body of work. This text also includes an extensive opera timeline of works by female composers.

Book Synopsis

As early as the 1500s, a surprising number of women have composed classical music. Many were successful, finding venues for both publishing and performing their music; others found the social barriers for women impossible to overcome. This book provides access to these composers, both well known and obscure. Arranged chronologically by era, the profiles are further divided into countries. For each female composer within a country, a brief biographical sketch is provided, as well as a description of her body of work. This text also includes an extensive timeline of operatic works by female composers.

Review Quotes

"a useful guide...recommended"-Booklist; "well-researched and well-written...recommend[ed]"-Feminist Collections; "an interesting overview of women composers through the centuries...recommended"-ARBA.

About the Author

Mary F. McVicker, with degrees in law and finance, writes full-time in Addison, Illinois. She is the author of four previous books.