Music 301/501
Women in Music
Classical Era
Changes in Philosophical Environment and Politics
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Changes in the French court (and others) are evident after the death of Louis XIV (1715): less
formality, more intimacy and “frivolous” enjoyment.
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In music this leads to the style galant, which ended the conventionalized affects of
Baroque music and placed emphasis on homophonic texture (usually melody plus simple
accompaniment) and balanced, 4-bar phrasing
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In the late 18th Century, another philosophical and political shift occurs: The Age of Reason
leads to dominance of Natural Law (moral standards for human behavior are inherent). This
leads to revolutionary notions about equality, and revolutions in America and France
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In music, there are some more literal attempts to apply natural law to music, but the
indirect result is a more serious tone to music because of the revolutions and emphasis on
serious philosophy
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The revolutionary climate causes rulers to try to ward off revolutions by lightening tax
burdens; this results in less money to sustain the court/patronage system, and many
artists must find new means of support by the turn of the century
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Through the 18th century, Austro-Germany becomes increasingly dominant in music; by
1800, Vienna is a major musical capitol. Other important courts in the 18th Century are at
Weimar, Leipzig, Berlin and Munich
Berlin and the court of Frederick the Great (King of Prussia, reigned 1740-1786)
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Two important women composers were related to Frederick, his sister and his niece
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Anna Amalia, Princess of Prussia (1723-1787)
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Studied harpsichord and piano from about age 17; later studied violin and organ.
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Started composing in her 30's; began counterpoint study age 35
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Most of her works are instrumental
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Anna Amalia, Duchess of Saxe-Weimar (1739-1807)
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Studied composition from time of marriage to the Duke of Saxe-Weimar. She was
largely responsible for artistic elevation of Weimar court.
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Singspiel: comic genre with songs and spoken dialogue, often with fantasy elements in
plot; also sometimes didactic ("School Plays" were predecessor). Music often folk-like
Vienna
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Maria Theresia von Paradis (1759-1824) named for Empress of Austria but not related
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Studied piano and singing; achievement more remarkable because of her blindness from
age 2.
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From age 16 began public performances; from age 24 began concert tours in Paris,
London, other parts of Germany.
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Studied composition with Salieri among others
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Marianne Martinez (1744-1812) also from Vienna. Also had extensive performing career;
composed numerous sonatas and concerti for her own use. Also many arias, a mass, some
sacred works
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Studied keyboard with Haydn, counterpoint with Porpora