Â鶹Éç

Donald Macleod explores Amy Beach's experiences at the MacDowell Colony, a remarkable artists' retreat in the New Hampshire woods.

This week, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of one of the most original, distinctive and gifted American musicians of the early 20th century - Amy Beach. Donald discovers how Beach railed against the prejudices of her time to become arguably the first truly 'American' voice to emerge from a continent still struggling to break free from the shackles of the European classical tradition.

We will explore her journey from the tranquil meadows of New England to her headline-grabbing early successes as a virtuoso piano prodigy in Boston - alongside a burning childhood desire to compose. We'll hear from her collection of large-scale symphonic works, including her Piano Concerto, and her 'Gaelic' Symphony, and we’ll discover which of her songs was such a hit that its proceeds paid for a summer property for the Beach family!

We'll also hear about Beach’s attachment to the MacDowell Colony - a remarkable artists' retreat amidst the woodlands of New Hampshire, and her work to help the careers of young musicians.

By the early 1920s, Amy Beach was an American musical institution - albeit somewhat steeped in the Victorian era. Who would have expected, then, that aged 54, the composer would begin a remarkable new direction in her musical life, centred upon the idyllic Macdowell Colony - an artists' retreat deep in the New Hampshire woods.

Donald explores this period in Beach’s life when, at the retreat she composed an outpouring of evocative chamber works, fusing her own lyrical expression with more modern elements to create a uniquely personal musical style. And we also find her travelling to Europe and embarking on a series of tours of the US where audiences and critics were thrilled by her Piano Concerto.

A Hermit Thrush At Morn, Op.92, no.2
Cecile Licad, piano

Piano Concerto, Op. 45
Danny Driver, piano
Â鶹Éç Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Rebecca Miller, conductor

From Grandmother’s Garden - V. Honeysuckle
Martina Frezzotti, piano

By the still waters, Op.114 (arr. Lewin for 2 guitars)
Alexandra Whittingham, Plinio Fernandes, guitars

Hermit Thrush At Eve, Op.92, no.1 (1922)
Cecile Licad, piano

Producer: Steven Rajam/Sam Phillips

Show less