Lesbian Musicology and the Music of Dame Ethel Smyth
I have always believed that a musician writes music to express his/her emotions, thoughts, and beliefs in a way that can be both hidden and quite apparent to their listeners at the same time. It can be viewed as a release or a medium through which to share an experience. These artists attempt to relate to their listeners and even hope to provide the listener with the words to express their own feelings. Music has proven to be a very important part of society, both past and present, for just this reason: expression. This medium of expression becomes even more important when the feelings being expressed are those which are not easily accepted by society.
For as long as humans have inhabited the earth, homosexuality has existed. Years ago, it was considered a disease, a genetic defect. Today, people relate to this sexual preference with mixed emotions - some are very accepting, while others continue to hold prejudice against those who are open about their attraction to those of the same sex. Homosexual musicians, both male and female, have also pervaded society from before the days of Tchaikovsky to the present day with artists such as Melissa Etheridge. One difference is apparent in that homosexuality is much more accepted today than it was in the past and individuals are less afraid to "come out of the closet." I believe, however, that some things have not changed. Music is still a major way for these artists to express their sexual desires.
I will attempt to examine the expression of homosexual desire and emotion in music, particularly that by lesbian artists, referring especially to analyses that have been conducted regarding the life and music of the composer ...
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...ess of one's personal choices or background. It links everyone who cares to listen.
Bibliography:
Bibliography
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Although the path was narrow for women composers, she and others like Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel continued to break the tradition of social stereotypes for composers and did become successful composers. While Fanny (and others) were warned to focus on “the only calling for a young woman – that of a housewife.” (Kristen Forney, 2015), she remained active in composing and performing
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Starting merely as a small hobby, her first dip of freedom opened Edna up to ferocious artistry. Finding a companion in Mademoiselle Reisz, the raw talent and compassion Mademoiselle puts into her work stirs Edna internally in a way she has never felt before. This is another stab at the society she finds herself to be in, for intellectual artistry was not meant for women to be an escape for themselves, but merely entertainment for others. Music becomes a therapy for Edna and opens her up to further creativity that she hadn’t given herself
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...field women had that power is in domestic arts. Women admire sharing their talents with an audience in different ways, whether it is theater, performing a song, ballet dancing, conducting an orchestra or being on television. Eileen Marie Moore shows discipline, excellence and success in her all-age field today. Amy Beach was the first woman to compose a symphony and Clara Schumann was the first woman be publicly accepted as a woman musician. These women opened doors for aspiring and existing women composers and performers to gain recognition, regardless of the culture. A tribute for Amy Beach, Michael Anthony quoted “Being a woman hadn’t held her back as a musician.” The confidence these women portrayed for music was tremendous. Determined to succeed in male dominance category is a challenge, but having the resilience and purpose to keep going, is what counts.
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Amy Beach was a very famous and influential composer and pianist from New Hampshire, United States. She fought long and hard to get to where she got in her lifetime. Back in the late 1800’s, it was hard for women to get noticed because they believe that their role in society was to stay at home and take care of the family. Amy Beach defeated all the odds of a female gender role in her lifetime. She became a role model for young girls wanting to become a composer or becoming anything they wanted to be, as long as they fought for it. She has made an enormous impact on music in America. The following paper will discuss Beach’s life, her struggles, her musical training, how her music was shaped by the society she lived in and famous compositions
The second wave of feminism starting in the late 1960s presented new ways of thinking about female rights and roles and gave greater attention to the issues affecting the various groups of women in the feminist movement. One of the essential topics that rose was the debate over female sexuality. From this point on efforts were made for changes in how women were expected to express their sexuality, which was controlled and adapted to the standards of men . These changes were also seen in the music area of which women sought to control their own representation and agency. Women began to challenge any models forced upon them based on preceding gender norms and traditions, and began to express their own identities according to their own comforts . The shift from traditional industry to the new media age in the 1990’s was a period of rapid transformation regarding female representations, of which females have claimed the freedom of expression through music, mainly seen through the sexual appearance of the female body. Nevertheless this achievement has been debated over most predominantly between liberal and radical feminists. This Essay will discuss the distinct views of radical and liberal feminists regarding the development of women’s freedom of expression and opportunities over time. Liberal feminists believe that women are in control of their own sexuality and have the right to express it in any way they choose. In contrast, radical feminists believe that female artists who expose their body in a sexual way and believe they have full control over themselves, are actually still trying to satisfy their predominantly male audience, therefore giving them control . To exemplify the different views on female development over time this es...
Both these articles are significant to the study of popular music in regards to gender. Gender makes up a huge part of how people see and respond to popular music, therefore it is important that we understand various aspects of it. Both articles give insight into important times and movements in popular genres. They encourage thought and discussion in relation to gender in popular music. Downes and Johnson write with specific examples and clear motivation, that leaves the reader informed, interested and aware of the ways in which women fought for gender equality and how they challenged and rejected traditional roles in music.
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