Some were prevented from performing, others were not allowed to sign their own compositions. Conservatory doors were open only to men, the Church forbade them to sing, society relegated them to an accessory role, subordinate to the male will. Wife, daughter, sister, muse… nothing more.
For centuries, the official historiography of music excluded women from its pages, ignoring or obscuring revolutionary female composers, innovative musicians and talented young women. While some have managed to emancipate themselves and make a name for themselves, others remain in the shadow, often of a male figure, or trapped in the role of muse. And those who have had the courage to walk the path of music have had to face heavy difficulties and prejudices.
Even today, many women are forced to abandon their passion, to give up on a dream, simply because someone feels that the profession is not suitable for a girl.
Hildegarde de Bingen, the brilliant Benedictine nun who used song to communicate with God. The great Baroque composers Isabella Leonarda, Francesca Caccini, Barbara Strozzi, Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre and Antonia Bembo. Women of the 18th and 19th centuries, confined to the home and defined solely by men. Nannerl, Mozart’s sister, or Clara, Schumann’s wife. And the rebel musicians of the last century and today: Billie Holiday, Maria Callas, Nadia Boulanger, Jacqueline Du Pré, Martha Argerich, Björk, Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Rachel Portman and many others. Women who, despite the difficulties, reacted and pushed back the limits of the space granted to them in the world of music, fighting for themselves and for future generations.
Come to the BCUL and discover their talent, determination and genius:
- Partitions au féminin, meeting with Joséphine Maillefer, as part of Les Braconniers culture club, October 12, 2021 at 6:30pm, BCUL site Riponne. What is the situation for women composers today? We’ll be discussing this with Lausanne-based composer Joséphine Maillefer.
- From November 2, 2021 to January 11, 2022, a wide selection of documents devoted to women and music will be on display at the entrance to the Agora on the Riponne site. Composers, musicians, singers, performers – there are many of them, and they all have their own music to say.
- Clara Haskil. Exist, visit the exhibition dedicated to pianist Clara Haskil. Drawn from the BCUL archives, the documents presented bring her to life as a woman and artist of genius.
- Opening: November 11, 2021, 6:30 pm, Salle du Sénat, Palais de Rumine.
- Exhibition: November 11, 2021 – May 7, 2022, BCUL site Riponne.
- Guided tour: December 9, 2021, 6.30pm, BCUL site Riponne.
