A Lady of Philadelphia, Mrs. Parkhurst, and Fanny Bell: Veiled Female Identity among Antebellum Piano Composers December 7, 2010

Speaker: Vivan Montgomery
Because the piano was the primary vehicle for domestic music-making in 19th century America, women became a purchasing engine behind a growing musical industry. But, what was the place of women composers in the publication of solo piano music during this time? Why did people conceal and restrict the female composer’s identity? This talk will use a set of piano variation pieces composed within domestic music rooms by female pianist/ composers. Montgomery will show these women's ability to keep pace with the larger musical realm, despite an industry that guarded divisions between female and male participants.
Location: Women’s Studies Research Center, Epstein Building, Brandeis University
Contact: Rosa Taormina, [email protected], http://go.brandeis.edu/wsrc