Are
you familiar with any works by Cecile Chaminade (1857–1944)? Born in the
nineteenth century, Chaminade was a gifted pianist and composer who, unlike
some of her female contemporaries, did not struggle to make a name for herself
during her lifetime. Last time we looked at her life as a musician. Today,
let’s listen to one of her compositions.
Chaminade
was quite prolific, having over 350 works to her credit including a comic
opera, ballet, choral symphony, chamber and orchestral works, songs, and piano
pieces. She became popular during her day because many of her pieces were
perfect for trendy domestic music-making. Due to this popularity, many of her
works were actually published within her lifetime.
Chaminade’s
Concertino for Flute and Piano, op. 107 is one popular work that you may hear
now and then on 90.9 WGUC. This work was written for the Conservatoire’s annual
flute contest in 1902. Today, the piece has made it into the standard flute
repertoire. Below, listen to James Galway perform this delightful work.
Next
week, we will wrap up this month’s look at women composers by discussing the
Boulanger sisters!
