Women In The Romantic Era

Smith and Stirling

Since the 18th century, music making for women was simply a social skill. However, in the Romantic Period, music making was considered more than just an ornament. For women of this period, it was often very difficult for them to have their music published especially if they were not born into a musical family like Schumann or Mendelssohn. Even if they were born into a musical family it was still difficult for women to become composers. This is due to the fact that, it was not common to hear of women musicians or musicologists of this era. However, several improvements that were made in this time period allowed women to learn music through private female institutions and seminaries. Currently in the 21st century, female composers

However in the past this was not the case, since gender biases and societal pressures inhibited women from publishing their music. The Romantic Period is one of many time periods in which women experienced difficulties with publishing. Even if the women were exceptionally talented, they still did not receive the same recognition as male composers. Talented musicians such as Alice Mary Smith faced these same issues. Alice Mary Smith (b. 1839) was an English composer who produced Romantic music. At a young age she received private music lessons from William Sterndale Bennett and G.A. Macfarren who were involved in the Royal Academy of Music. Even though she was well educated in music she still had issues with publishing to the extent which several of her works went unpublished. As a way to counteract her oppositions, she used her talent to produce several exceptional large-scale works in her early twenties. She attracted attention in London in which her First Piano Quartet was performed by the London Musical Society (Grove Music Library). These were quickly and positively taken by music critics in which she was elected as the Female Professional Associate of the Philharmonic Society. Therefore, Alice Mary Smith represents the female composers of this time period which made their success through their hard work and compassion

In comparison to the Romantic period, many female composers today possess exceptional talents in their works. These talents can range from possessing a high vocal range, creative songwriting skills, or having advanced knowledge in a musical instrument such as violin or guitar. The most popular talent out of all of these, would include being highly skilled in an instrument. Being able to play an instrument can be a big advantage in terms of success for a female composer. An example of a female composer who uses this gift to the best of her ability would include, Lindsey Stirling. Lindsey Stirling (b. 1986), is an American violinist, composer, performance artist and dancer. As a teenager, she studied violin and would often showcase her talent through her Youtube channel, Lindseystomp. In 2007 she was a finalist on the television show, America’s Got Talent, which brought her to prominence to many music lovers of her style. Her music style includes a mix of classical, dub-step and electronica. In addition to her music, when she performs she includes personal choreographed dances. However as a classical, dubstep violinist she is most likely the only artist to include dances as she performs and although this makes her unique it has made her difficult to be