Amy Beach: Une prodige empêchée

Amy Beach: Une prodige empêchée is a captivating journey through the remarkable musical legacy of Amy Beach, a prodigious American pianist and composer who overcame the barriers of her time to leave an indelible mark on the world of classical music. This album, expertly performed by Jennifer Fichet, spans 45 years of Beach's piano repertoire, showcasing her extraordinary talent and resilience.

Born in 1867, Amy Beach demonstrated her prodigious abilities at a young age, yet as a woman, she was denied the high-level musical training that her male counterparts enjoyed. Undeterred, Beach's fierce determination and exceptional ear allowed her to become a brilliant self-taught composer and pianist. This album celebrates her enduring contributions to the genre, featuring a diverse range of her works, from the sparkling "Valse-Caprice" to the evocative "Variations on Balkan Themes" and the poetic "Nocturne."

With a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, this album is a testament to Beach's versatility and innovation. Each of the 27 tracks offers a unique glimpse into her artistic vision, from the virtuosic "Five Improvisations" to the tender "A Cradle Song of the Lonely Mother." Jennifer Fichet's masterful performance brings Beach's compositions to life, highlighting the depth and richness of her musical language.

Released on June 14, 2024, by HORTUS, Amy Beach: Une prodige empêchée is a stunning tribute to a pioneering woman in music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Amy Beach's work or a newcomer to her compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Amy Beach, born Amy Marcy Cheney, was a pioneering American composer and pianist who shattered barriers in the male-dominated world of classical music. As a child prodigy, she began her career as a pianist, making her debut at the age of sixteen to great acclaim. However, it is her compositions that have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Beach was the first successful American female composer of large-scale art music, and her "Gaelic" Symphony, premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1896, was a groundbreaking achievement as the first symphony composed and published by an American woman. Her works, including the renowned Piano Quintet, showcase her unique voice and mastery of her craft. Beach's legacy is one of resilience and innovation, as she succeeded without the benefit of European training and paved the way for future generations of female composers. Her music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of American musical heritage.