A fresh start
Donald Macleod explores how Amy Beach responded to the tragic deaths of her husband and her mother.
Donald Macleod explores how Amy Beach responded to the tragic deaths of her husband and her mother.
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鈥檒l 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鈥檚 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.
In Wednesday鈥檚 episode, Donald discovers how in less than a year, Amy Beach tragically lost the two most important figures in her life: her husband and mother. Between them, they'd carefully guided her musical career - both encouraging her talents and clamping down on activity that they saw as 'unladylike'.
Suddenly, at the age of 43, Amy Beach was about to embark on a remarkable new chapter in her life, with the freedom to compose and perform as she wished. We鈥檒l hear from Beach's Piano Quintet, the concert aria Jephthah鈥檚 Daughter and one of her most popular pieces for piano.
Dreaming (4 Sketches, Op.15)
Sunhwa Park, piano
Piano Quintet in F sharp minor, Op.67
Garrick Ohlsson, piano
Takacs Quartet
Deus Misereatur, Op.78 no 2
Charles Wood Singers
David Hill, director
Philip Scriven, organ
Jephthah鈥檚 Daughter, Op.53
Camille Schnoor, soprano
Munchner Symphoniker
Joseph Bastian, conductor
Producer: Steven Rajam/Sam Phillips
On radio
More episodes
Broadcast
- Wed 25 Feb 2026 16:00麻豆社 Radio 3
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