Celebrating St Cecilia’s Day, 22nd November
Did you know St Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians? Honoured in many churches, including the church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome, which is believed to be on the site of her home and death, tradition has it that St Cecilia “sang in her heart to the Lord” and praised God in music and song. She is often depicted in art playing a musical instrument, such as an organ, lute, or harp.
Today I am highlighting some of the female composers that I love and share why I think they are special.
Historically music has been a male-dominated field, and so any women in music have had to navigate significant barriers to gain any sort of recognition. Whether it was society’s expectations, a limited access to education, or fewer performance opportunities; women had to fight to have their music heard. The women who did overcome these challenges and were able to demonstrate their brilliance, have paved the way for those who followed.
Clara Schumann (1819–1896) was a pioneering German pianist & composer, and one of the most influential musicians of the 19th century. A child prodigy, gaining international fame for her performances, Clara became one of the first women to achieve a successful musical career, lasting over sixty years. As a composer, her works, including piano concertos, lieder, and chamber music, blended technical brilliance with emotional depth. Her marriage to composer Robert Schumann and her close relationship with Johannes Brahms also shaped her musical legacy. Clara’s contributions were crucial in advancing the visibility of women in classical music.
Picking up the mantle for trailblazing women was Amy Beach (1867- 1944). Amy, an American, was an accomplished pianist, making her concert debut at 16 to widespread acclaim, before her marriage at the young age of 18 forced her career to take a back seat. She agreed to her husband’s request to limit herself to just two public recitals a year, to be in aid of charity, and to restrict her musical involvement to composition. After her husband’s death, Amy returned to performing music, touring Europe and America and playing her own compositions to huge acclaim.
Still today there is an imbalance between males and females in music, with the Performing Rights Society offering its Women Make Music Fund, amongst other initiatives.
Now to three of my favourite current female choral composers; Reena Esmail, Cecilia McDowall, and Anna Tarbush.
Reena Esmail is an American composer well known in the choral world for her accessible and beautiful pieces which seamlessly blend Indian and Western music. My choir High Peak Singers recently enjoyed learning & performing TaReKiTa (complete with hand gestures (mudra)!) – an energetic piece fusing Indian ragas with Western harmony. Renee’s work honours both musical traditions, and no doubt introduces Indian music to new appreciative audiences. During my singing retreat this year we also learned the beautiful Dhire-Dhire which I hope to programme again in 2025.
Cecilia McDowall is a British composer celebrated for her emotionally rich and melodically elegant works. Her piece Now May We Singen; a joyful, dance-like carol with a mediaeval feel, taking its text from the 15th Century carol of the same name is a pleasure to sing (once we have the changing time signatures under our belts!) and has been enjoyed at concerts by both Victoria Park Singers and High Peak Singers. Cecilia’s music is widely acclaimed and she has received several prestigious awards, including a British Composer Award, and we can see why!
Also from Britain, Anna Tarbush’s music has wide appeal within the Natural Voice community and with community choirs in general. Her music is often folky and a cappella with sincere and thoughtful messages. Anna also performs and teaches with her group Oaken – if you ever have the chance to experience a workshop with them, I heartily recommend. I chose her beautiful song Harbour to teach at my singing retreat this year.
Anna says: I wrote Harbour in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Harbour is more popular than ever now that the people of the world are feeling driven to help the millions of refugees fleeing Ukraine. I would like my song to help all of those fleeing war zones. Soon we will be welcoming more refugees into our countries and my hope is that my song will help ensure they are met with warmth, compassion and generosity. So please keep singing and sharing it. Keep campaigning to reduce the unnecessary bureaucracy that prevents people from finding a safe passage into our countries. Thank you for your belief in the power of song.
As musicians we have the power to communicate complex thoughts and emotions, to celebrate joy, to stand up for justice, and to provide soothing and solace to those who need it. Both male and female composers influence those they touch around the world, but on this, St Cecilia’s Day, I invite you to reflect on the wonderful women who have influenced you.