A Modern Index of Early Female Musical Composers

Many of the outstanding musical compositions that exist today were created by women, and most of these talented women never received the recognition they deserved during their lifetimes. The earliest documented woman composer is Greek lyric poetess Sappho, who was born around 612 BC, but many historians consider German nun Hildegard of Bingen from the 12^th century as the first female composer. Over the years, many other women also showed extraordinary musical gifts, and they had created memorable musical pieces that are highly celebrated today. These women include Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Louise Farrenc, Marianne Martinez, Vitezslava Kapralova, the Boulanger sisters, Cecile Chaminade, Dame Ethel Smyth, Amy Cheney Beach, Galina Ustvolskaya, and many others.

• Sappho: A web page that is dedicated to promoting understanding of the lyric poetry of Greek female composer Sappho.

• Hildegard of Bingen: The life and works of German nun Hildegard of Bingen, one of the most important female composers in history.

• Marie de France: A 12^th century French poetess who is best remembered for her inspiring lais, a musical and poetic form of expression that was popular in northern France.

• Maddalena Casulana: Document that discusses the achievements of Italian composer and singer Maddalena Casulana, the first woman in the western world to have musical compositions printed and published.

• Francesca Caccini: The first female to compose Italian opera.

• Isabella Leonarda: Information about Isabella Leonarda, a great Italian Baroque composer from the 17^th century.

• Barbara Strozzi: Brief biography of prolific 17^th century Italian composer Barbara Strozzi.

• Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre: One of the finest composers of French Baroque instrumental music. 

• Maria Theresia von Paradis: An 18^th century Austrian blind pianist and composer who was befriended by Mozart.

• Marianne Martinez: Summary of the life and times of 18^th century Viennese composer Marianne Martinez.

• Agata Szymanowska: A talented Polish pianist and composer from the 18^th century.

• Fanny Mendelssohn: A highly gifted pianist and composer, and older sister of famous 19^th century composer Felix Mendelssohn.

• Louise Farrenc: Interesting article about 19^th century French composer, pianist, and teacher Louise Farrenc.

• Boulanger Sisters: Sister composers Nadia and Lili Boulanger had significant influence on the 19^th century French music scene. 

• Clara Schumann: Lots of information about German composer Clara Schumann, one of the most important female composers in the 19^th century.

• Agathe Backer Grøndahl: A prominent 19^th century pianist and composer from Norway.

• Cecile Chaminade: Biography and albums of 19^th century French classical pianist and composer Cecile Chaminade.

• Amy Cheney Beach: This 19^th century composer was the first widely recognized American female composer.

• Florence Beatrice Price: The first African American female composer to have a composition performed by a nationally-acclaimed orchestra.

• Dame Ethel Smyth: The most important English female composer in the early 20^th century.

• Jean Coulthard: An accomplished composer and music educator from Canada.

• Vitezslava Kapralova: Website dedicated to Vitezslava Kapralova, a composer who contributed greatly to Czech music in the 20^th century.

• Galina Ustvolskaya: A 20^th century Russian female composer who is known for her distinct musical style.

• Sofia Gubaidulina: A Soviet-born composer who creates highly innovative music.

• Peggy Glanville Hicks: Concise summary of the life and works of 20^th century Australian composer Peggy Glanville Hicks.