Beach: Works

Dive into the rich, evocative world of Amy Beach's compositions with "Beach: Works," a captivating collection of chamber and orchestral masterpieces. This album showcases the breadth and depth of Beach's musical genius, featuring both instrumental and vocal-orchestral works that span her prolific career.

At the heart of the album is Beach's monumental "Symphony in E Minor, Op. 32," affectionately known as the "Gaelic Symphony." This four-movement symphony is a testament to Beach's ability to blend romanticism with Celtic influences, creating a sound that is both powerful and deeply expressive. The symphony is complemented by the vibrant "Bal Masqué for Orchestra, Op. 22," a lively and colorful piece that showcases Beach's mastery of orchestration.

The vocal works on this album are equally compelling. "Eilende Wolken, Segler die Lüfte, Op. 18," "Jephthah’s Daughter, Op. 53," and "3 Songs, Op. 21: No. 2, Extase" feature stunning performances by Angela Brower and Camille Schnoor, accompanied by the Münchner Symphoniker under the baton of Joseph Bastian. These works highlight Beach's skill in setting text to music, with each piece offering a unique blend of drama, lyricism, and poetic sensitivity.

"Beach: Works" is a celebration of Amy Beach's enduring legacy, offering a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that reflect her unique voice in the world of classical music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Beach's work or a newcomer to her compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. Released on May 2, 2025, by Solo Musica, this collection is a testament to Beach's enduring influence and her place as one of America's most important composers.

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.