Forging an American music

Donald explores the story behind the 'first Symphony by an American woman' - Amy Beach’s 'Gaelic' symphony of 1897.

This week, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of one of the most original, distinctive and gifted American musicians of the early 20th century - Amy Beach. Donald discovers how Beach railed against the prejudices of her time to become arguably the first truly 'American' voice to emerge from a continent still struggling to break free from the shackles of the European classical tradition.

We will explore her journey from the tranquil meadows of New England to her headline-grabbing early successes as a virtuoso piano prodigy in Boston - alongside a burning childhood desire to compose. We'll hear from her collection of large-scale symphonic works, including her Piano Concerto, and her 'Gaelic' Symphony, and we’ll discover which of her songs was such a hit that its proceeds paid for a summer property for the Beach family!

We'll also hear about Beach’s attachment to the MacDowell Colony - a remarkable artists' retreat amidst the woodlands of New Hampshire, and her work to help the careers of young musicians.

In Tuesday’s programme, Donald introduces the 'first Symphony by an American woman' - Beach’s 'Gaelic' Symphony of 1897, written shortly after Antonin Dvorak had called on American composers to forge a new national identity in music.

Romance for violin and piano, op.23
Maria Ioudenitch, violin
Kenny Broberg, piano

Ecstasy, Op.19 no 2
Katherine Kelton, mezzo-soprano
Catherine Bringerud, piano

Symphony in E Flat, Op.32 'Gaelic'
Münchner Symphoniker
Joseph Bastian, conductor

Peace I leave with you
The Chapel Choir of Pembroke College, Cambridge
Anna Lapwood, director

Producer: Steven Rajam/Sam Phillips