This seminar explores pianistic careers during the 20th century with a focus on women throughout the world. Since well before the establishment of conservatoires, women pianists have outnumbered men. With the establishing of colonies and the global dispersal of pianos, women outside Europe/USA also used the piano as a means to develop self-expression, independent careers and incomes, often against societal expectations.

This class explores figures ranging from China to Brazil, including the first generation of Chinese women pianists, pianists from Taiwan, pianism in Turkey, Egypt and Ethiopia; women pianists in Communist countries in Eastern Europe; pianist-wives such as Yvonne Loriod, Messiaen’s wife; specialists in contemporary music from Germany and Austria; and women pianists during National Socialism. It will examine the music these women composed, their repertoires and interpretation styles, and their career trajectories. This class will be relevant to anyone interested in 20th-century global music, gender and the piano.

The seminar takes place weekly 4-6pm Wednesday Room 101.