Women in Nineteenth-Century Czech Musical Culture: Apostles of a Brighter Future

This volume explores the circumstances of women's music-making in the Czech lands during the nineteenth century, highlighting little-known women musicians and considering well-known works and composers from new woman-centric perspectives. It reveals hitherto unexplored networks that challenge methodological nationalism and the emphasis on singular canonical figures. The main areas of enquiry address performance and identity, women's impact on social life, and compositional aesthetics in musical works by and about women, analyzed through the lens of piano works, song, choir music, and opera.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the captivating world of women's music-making in the vibrant and diverse landscape of the Czech lands during the nineteenth century. It unveils the stories of lesser-known female musicians while also offering fresh insights into the works and composers of the time, with a special focus on their woman-centric perspectives. By exploring the intricate interplay between the unique environment of Habsburg Central Europe, particularly Bohemia and Lower Austria, and gender, the book uncovers hitherto unexplored networks that challenge the methodological nationalism of music studies and the continued emphasis on singular canonical figures.

The central areas of inquiry in this volume encompass diverse aspects of performance and identity, both within the Czech lands and across borders. It examines the profound impact of women on social life, considering various private, semiprivate, and public contexts and networks. Additionally, the book delves into the compositional aesthetics of musical works by and about women, analyzing them through the lens of piano works, songs, choir music, and opera. Throughout this exploration, the reception of these works is kept in mind, shedding light on the ways in which they were received and interpreted by audiences of the time.

By undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the circumstances of women's music-making in the Czech lands during the nineteenth century, this volume provides a rich and multifaceted perspective on the role of women in the musical world of that era. It offers valuable insights into the lives and contributions of these musicians, challenging prevailing narratives and expanding our understanding of music history and culture.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032206592