This week on Morning Glories, we'll celebrate five women who, sometimes despite long odds, have made vibrant contributions to the musical world around them.
Monday
Alice Mary Smith: Symphony in A Minor
Smith (1839-1884), who enjoyed much recognition in her lifetime, goes down in history as the first British woman to compose symphonies; this one comes from 1876.
Tuesday
Libby Larsen: Symphony (Water Music)
Not only a composer, Minnesotan Libby Larsen is also one of the founders of today's American Composers Forum, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. As the title suggests, this symphony includes a tip of the hat to Handel.
Wednesday
Clara Schumann: Piano Concerto
Clara Schumann, one of the 19th century's great piano virtuosos, was just in her teens when she composed and premiered this concerto.
Thursday
Ethel Smyth: Serenade
Dame Ethel Smyth (1858-1944) was a composer, a campaigner for women's suffrage, and a lively and prolific author.
Friday
Conni Ellisor: Blackberry Winter
Conni Ellisor is based in Nashville, and her music often incorporates elements of folk and country music, as in this 1997 work which features the mountain dulcimer.
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