Becoming Mrs Beach

Donald Macleod explores how Amy Beach railed against the sexism of her time to journey from a child piano prodigy to a respected composer.

This week, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of one of the most original, distinctive and gifted American musicians of the early 20th century - Amy Beach. Donald discovers how Beach railed against the prejudices of her time to become arguably the first truly 'American' voice to emerge from a continent still struggling to break free from the shackles of the European classical tradition.

We will explores her journey from the tranquil meadows of New England to her headline-grabbing early successes as a virtuoso piano prodigy in Boston - alongside a burning childhood desire to compose. We'll hear from her collection of large-scale symphonic works, including her Piano Concerto, and her 'Gaelic' Symphony, and we’ll discover which of her songs was such a hit that its proceeds paid for a summer property for the Beach family!

We'll also hear about Beach’s attachment to the MacDowell Colony - a remarkable artists' retreat amidst the woodlands of New Hampshire, and her work to help the careers of young musicians.

In Monday’s episode, Donald explores how Amy Beach journeyed from a child piano prodigy to become a respected composer, despite the sexism of her time. We’ll also hear how Beach’s marriage acted both as an advantage and a restriction in her attempts to become recognised as a serious musician, and we’ll hear from her Violin Sonata, and an operatic scena which became the first work by a woman to be given by the Symphony Society of New York.

Young Birches
Shani Diluka, piano

Valse – Caprice, op.4
Joanne Polk, piano

3 Songs, Op 2 no 3 - Empress of Night
Katherine Kelton, mezzo soprano
Catherine Bringerud, piano

Eilende Wolken, segler der Lufte, Op. 18
Anglea Brower, mezzo soprano
Munchner Symphoniker
Joseph Bastian, conductor

Violin Sonata, Op.34 - I. Allegro Moderato
Tasmin Little, violin
John Lenehan, piano

Quartet for Strings in One Movement
The Lark Quartet

Producer: Steven Rajam/Sam Phillips