Feminine Fusion

S4-49: One Life – Cecile Chaminade

by Diane Jones

August 8, 2020

Cecile Chaminade

“[She should be known as a composer] pure and simple, rather than by the designation of woman composer.”  – Ambroise Thomas

She was the first woman musician to win the French Legion of Honor award.  Queen Victoria was utterly enamoured of her talent, and President Teddy Roosevelt invited her to play at the White House.  Yet she died alone, her music nearly forgotten.  Today we look at the life and music of Cecile Chaminade.

One Life: Cecile Chaminade

Capriccio for Violin & Piano
Sara Chenal, violin; Jean-Pierre Fery, piano
“Violon au feminine: Compositrices francaises”
Scarbo 4150A

Berceuse, Op. 6
Joan Sutherland, soprano
Richard Bonynge, piano
“Joan Sutherland: Complete DECCA Studio Recitals”
London 13132

Automne, from Etudes de Concert, Op. 35
Peter Jacobs, piano
“Piano Music of Cecile Chaminade”
Hyperion 66584

Air de Ballet
Pas de escharpes
Cecile Chaminade, piano (from 1901 piano roll)
“The Piano G&Ts, Vol. 3 – Recordings from the Gramophone & Typewriter era (1900-1907)”
APR 5533

Concertino for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 107
Sir James Galway, flute
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Charles Dutoit, conductor
“French Flute Concertos”
RCA G010003203685C

Piano Trio No. 1
Mcalester Trio
“Chamber Works by Women Composers”
VoxBox 5029

L’anneau d’argent
Anne Sofie von Otter, soprano
Bengt Forsberg, piano
“Chaminade: Songs”
Deutsche Grammophon 4767110

58:29

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire. Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.