Music for clarinet and string quartet by women composers.

Abstract

This document examines works written by women composers for the ensemble comprised of clarinet and string quartet. A thorough search of clarinet and chamber music repertoire lists as well as reference materials devoted to women composers has yielded twenty pieces composed by women for this ensemble. The quintets by Elizabeth Maconchy, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, and Ilse Fromm-Michaels are discussed in detail, primarily through analysis of theoretical properties, including formal structure, texture and timbre, harmonic idiom, and rhythmic and melodic language. An evaluation of performance requirements, leading to a determination of the level of ensemble needed for successful presentation is also provided, as is an aesthetic evaluation based on the above-mentioned analysis, existing criticism and personal opinion. A history of each composer's life is presented, with emphasis placed on her education and career. The remaining seventeen pieces are presented in the form of an annotated repertoire list. Ten of these works and their composers are discussed in a format similar to the works above, but in less detail. The composers in this category include: Stefania de Kenessey, Ruth Gipps, Elizabeth Gyring, Katherine Hoover, Nicola LeFanu, Helen Lipscomb, Vera Preobrajenska, Louise Talma, Julia Usher, and Joelle Wallach. Music for the remaining seven pieces has not been obtained, but limited historical data for each composer is provided.