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Virginia
Eskin,
Piano
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Even though Amy
Beach (1867-1944) was born, bred and educated in New
England, she did not believe in an "Americanist"
school, but in a "universal style freely drawing
on the musical tradition of all European countries."1
She explored virtually all forms of musical composition,
from the largest (Mass with orchestra, symphony, piano
concerto, oratorios) through chamber music (piano quintet,
trio, one-act opera) to art-songs, character-pieces
for violin and numerous works for piano. Very early,
Beach found music a driving force in her life, composing
expressively at age five. Following acclaim as piano-soloist
with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at age 18, she went
to Dr. H.H.A. Beach for treatment of a hand injury and
married him the same year. During the 25 years of their
marriage, 1885-1910, she composed most of her major
works.
At the time of
her marriage, Amy Beach was widely recognized as an
extraordinarily gifted pianist. However, apart from
benefit performances, her husband discouraged her public
career, and so she turned her full attention to composing.
As already indicated, she turned out a remarkable quantity
and variety of music. She was the first American woman
to compose a symphony and the first woman composer whose
works were performed by major orchestras in the U.S.,
including the Boston Symphony and orchestras in Pittsburgh,
San Francisco, Buffalo, Kansas City and many other cities.
Following her husband's death, Amy Beach returned to
the concert stage. She toured Europe as a soloist during
the period 1911-1914, and thus during this period and
the following decades, she occupied the status of one
who played with and whose works were played by many
of the world's greatest orchestras. "By the end
of her career, she was regarded as the doyenne of women
composers."2
Any recording can
offer only a scant sampling from this prolific pioneer
composer. For newcomers to Beach, I hope this recording
will provide a new source of musical pleasure. For those
who know her work, I trust old favorites will be welcome.
Footnotes
1. Vol. 2,
New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, Macmillan
(London, 1980) Essay on Amy Beach by Judith Tick.
2. Vol. 2,
New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, Macmillan
(London, 1980) Essay on Amy Beach by Judith Tick.
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