Rebecca Clarke

United Kingdom
Year of Birth: 1886
Year of Death: 1979

Rebecca Clarke was an English composer and violist, considered one of the most important early 20th-century female composers. Clarke faced significant barriers as a woman in classical music but nevertheless achieved great success with her compositions, which are celebrated for their rich harmonies and emotional depth. As a violist, she performed and composed pieces that blended traditional techniques with modern innovations. Clarke’s work was influenced by both English folk music and the evolving landscape of European classical music during her time.

1903

Began studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she was encouraged to pursue both composition and performance.
Composed her famous Viola Sonata, which would later gain widespread recognition.

1916

1919

Moved to the United States, where she continued her career as a performer and composer, largely in New York.
Competed in a composition competition with her Viola Sonata, which was highly praised but did not win. The competition’s results were widely believed to have been influenced by gender bias against female composers.

1923

1930s

Continued to compose chamber music, choral works, and orchestral pieces, though she faced increasing difficulty in having her music performed or published.
Passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of innovative works.

1979

“I am not in favour of trying to write anything that is new for the sake of being new. I write music because I love to do it.”

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