Clara Schumann, 1819-1896

Piano Trio in g minor, 1846

“I once believed that I possessed creative talent, but I have given up this idea; a woman must not desire to compose—there has never yet been one able to do it. Should I expect to be the one?” – Clara Schumann, 1839

While it was rare for a woman to become a significant composer in the European tradition of classical music before the 20th century, there are noteworthy examples. It is generally accepted that one of the very first composers distinguished from the anonymity of the early medieval period was in fact female: Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), the “Sybil of the Rhine”, who left a significant legacy of over 80 pieces in a highly unique style. The Florentine Francesca Caccini (1587– c.1640) was an influential lutenist, singer, teacher and composer who became the first female to compose an opera. France produced at least two 19th century women composers of note, both of whom wrote chamber music: Louise Farrenc and Pauline Viardot. When Clara Schumann, at the tender age of 20, « more »