Even though Amy was born, bred and educated in New England, she believed more in a ‘universal style freely drawing on the musical tradition of all European countries.’ She explored virtually all forms of composition, from the largest (Mass), symphony, piano concerto, oratorio) through chamber music (piano quintet, trio, opera) to art-songs, character-pieces for violin and numerous works for piano. .. She was the first American woman to compose a symphony and the first performed by major orchestras” (Gramophone)
Alto Records returns a groundbreaking release – Virginia Eskin’s acclaimed recording of piano works by American composer Amy Beach – to international availability. The recording featured two-piano works with pianist Kathleen Supové at the beginning of her career as a cutting-edge champion of new music and underperformed rarities.
Amy (Mrs. H.H.A.) Beach found music a driving force in her life. She composed expressively at age five. Following acclaim as piano-soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at age 18, she went to Dr. H.H.A. Beach for treatment of a hand injury and married him the same year. During the 25 years of their marriage, 1885-1910, she composed most of her major works. At the time of her marriage, Amy Beach was widely recognized as an extraordinarily gifted pianist. However, apart from benefit performances, her husband discouraged her public career, and so she turned her full attention to composing. She turned out a remarkable quantity and variety of music. She was the first American woman to compose a symphony and the first woman composer whose works were performed by major orchestras in the U.S., including the Boston Symphony and orchestras in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Buffalo, Kansas City and many other cities.
1. Ballad in D flat, Op.6 7.39
2. Valse Caprice, Op.4 4.54
3. Nocturne, Op.107 3:32
4. Prelude and Fugue, Op.81 9:00
Four Sketches, Op.15
5. In Autumn 2:16
6. Phantoms 2:07
7. Dreaming 3:27
8. Fireflies 2:48
9. Hermit Thrush at Eve, Op.92 No.1 4:15
10. Hermit Thrush at Morn, Op.92 No.2 3:47
Suite for Two Pianos on Irish Melodies, Op.104*
11. Prelude 6:53
12. Old-time Peasant Dance 4:35
13. Ancient Cabin 8:18
14. Finale 4:23
Recorded March 1994 at the Music Room, Cambridge, MA
Produced, engineered and mastered by Scott Kent
