“Feminine Fusion” is a weekly radio program that highlights the influence of women in classical music. These are the women throughout history and into the present day who create, perform, and inspire. Composer/announcer Diane Jones of WCNY-FM in Syracuse, NY is your host, and every week showcases some of these remarkable women.
Women are the central, unifying focus of this series. It is important to note, however, that their influence is broad-ranging, crossing the boundaries of culture, race, and gender. Who can know what might have happened to the likes of Aaron Copland, Donald Byrd, or Quincy Jones had they not studied with Nadia Boulanger?
“Had you asked me 10 years ago if I would have introduced a program focused on women in music, I would have said ‘no.’ Growing up in a houseful of brothers, I was always treated as their equal,” says Jones. “But there is still gender bias in the music world. I am anxious for the time when we no longer separate composers from women composers, or conductors from women conductors.”
Some of the individuals highlighted in this program entered the world of the arts knowing they faced opposition, and gathered their strength to face it head on. Others simply took to their chosen path, often unaware of the impact their actions would have. In every case, however, they have touched hearts and souls with their art.
Diane Jones is the host of Feminine Fusion, aired every week on WCNY-FM. An active composer, she has received commissions from nationally and internationally-recognized musicians and ensembles, as well as completing 5 residencies in Syracuse area schools, introducing young musicians to composition. Diane performs regularly with Samba Laranja and the Central New York Flute Choir, and her music has been featured on two SAMMY-award winning CDs. Follow Diane on Twitter (@ComposerJones) and Facebook (here or here) for more about her programming and her music.
Air Date
Program Title
Description
November 4
Influential Women: Nadia Boulanger
Nadia Boulanger taught hundreds of composers and musicians, helping to shape 20th Century music
November 11
Women of Color: Composers
Music written by women of color
November 18
A Thanksgiving Program
A small thank you to those women who paved the way by being “the first”
November 25
Plucked
Works for plucked instruments: harp, guitar, and harpsichord
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton
No matter how many may travel a path, someone had to be the first to break the trail. This episode takes note of several women who became the “first” to achieve a breakthrough in the classical music world. It’s a small way of saying “thank you” for their efforts, and for opening the way for the women who follow.
Ethyl Smyth:Serenade in D Major (Mvt. 1)
BBC Philharmonic; Odaline de la Martinez, conductor
“Ethyl Smyth: Serenace in D & Concerto for Violin, Horn, & Orchestra”
Chandos 9449
George Bizet:Je crois entendre encore, from The Pearl Fishers
Salvatore Licitra, tenor
Royal Opera of Covent Garden; Sian Edwards, conductor
“The Man Who Cried”
CBS 61870
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich:Symphony No. 1 (Mvt. 1)
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; John Nelson, conductor
“Zwilich: Symphony No. 1; Celebration; Prologue & Variations”
New World 80336
Run time: 58:30
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.
“By the time most musicians have completed their training and achieved a professional career, they have little to no exposure to and experience with women composers and composers of color.” – Rob Deemer, founder – Composer Diversity Database
In a letter of introduction to Serge Koussevitzky, composer Florence Price wrote, “I have two handicaps – those of sex and race.” The composer’s on today’s program all face those dual biases. Fortunately, their music is slowly gaining the recognition it deserves.
Women of Color: Composers
Lena Johnson McLin:A Summer Day
Helen Walker-Hill, piano
“Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women”
Leonarda 339
Irene Britton Smith:Sonata for Violin and Piano
Gregory Walker, violin; Helen Walker-Hill, piano
“Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women”
Leonarda 339
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.
“If there are those among her pupils who have sometimes fallen short of her concepts, they have at least never left her hands without a full consciousness of those standards.” – Peggy Glanville-Hicks
Nadia Boulanger has had a deep and lasting impact on contemporary classical music. For over 70 years, some of the most familiar and influential composers of the 20th century studied with her. This episode highlights just some of her influence on these students.
Influential Women: Nadia Boulanger
Gabriel Fauré:Tendresse, from the Dolly Suite
Boston Symphony Orchestra; Seiji Ozawa, conductor
“Faure: Pelleas et Melisande; Dolly”
Deutsche Grammophon 423089
Aaron Copland:Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
Simon Preston, organ
BBC Symphony Orchestra; Leonard Slatkin, conductor
“Copland: Billy the Kid; Organ Symphony; El salón México; Danzón cubano”
BBC 98
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.
“Don’t think of yourself as anything other than an equal. Break down the doors. It’s only doors.” – Hans Zimmer
In 2016, women made up just 3% of composers working on the top 250 highest grossing films*. And the Met was mounting its second opera composed by a woman – 103 years after the first one. But women continue to make strides, with help from organizations like the Alliance for Women Film Composers and, yes, even the Met, which is commissioning two new operas, including one by Missy Mazzoli.
This week, we’ll hear just a sampling of compositions by women for stage and screen.
Stage and Screen
Laura Karpman: Inventing Tomorrow (excerpts)
“Inventing Tomorrow: Soundtrack”
Lakeshore Records
Lolita Ritmanis:An Act of Love (excerpts)
“An Act of Love: Soundtrack”
La-La Land Records 1508241
Anne Dudley:American History X (excerpts)
“American History X: Soundtrack”
EMI 56781
Jennifer Higdon:Cold Mountain (excerpts)
Santa Fe Opera Company
“Cold Mountain”
Pentatone 5186583
Paola Prestini:Oceanic Verses (excerpts) “Oceanic Verses”
VIA Records 002
Bora Yoon:Sunken Cathedral (excerpts)
“Sunken Cathedral”
Innova 880
Run time: 58:29
* Source: Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film
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.
“You have to take a deep breath and allow the music to flow through you.” – Kelly White
Breath – we take it for granted. Most of the time, we aren’t even aware of when or how we breathe. Woodwind players, though – they have an intimate connection with the nuances of breath. It’s as though they share a part of their being with their instrument, and the music they create is part of their soul, an expression of themselves that is impossible any other way.
This week brings you music from the souls of women, shared through their instruments – an hour will be filled with Breath and Sound.
Breath and Sound
Georg Philipp Telemann: Fantasia No. 8 in G Minor
Nina Stern, alto recorder
“Amaryllis”
MSR Classics 1577
Arthur Bachman: The Curmudgeon and the Lark
Sara Hahn, flute; Sarah Gieck, alto flute
“I Close My Eyes In Order To See”
Navona 6182
Samuel Barber:Summer Music for Wind Quintet, Op. 31
Jeanne Baxtresser, flute; Judith LeClair, bassoon;
Stanley Drucker, clarinet; Joseph Robinson, oboe, Philip Myers, horn
“Chamber Music for Flute”
Cala 544
Carl Maria von Weber: Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra in E-flat Major, Op. 26
Emma Johnson, clarinet
English Chamber Orchestra; Sir Charles Groves, conductor
“Bernhard Henrik Crusell Concerto in F Minor and other works for clarinet by Weber, Baermann and Rossini”
Musical Heritage Society 512072
Alyssa Morris:Four Personalities (selections)
Courtney Miller, oboe; Ayako Yoda, piano
“Modern Fairy Tales”
Centaur 3421
Run time: 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.
“How is it that music can, without words, evoke our laughter, our fears, our highest aspirations?” – Jane Swan
On this Patchwork Quilt episode, new music for old instruments, a work inspired by war, and another inspired by peace. With performances from outstanding performers and composers.
Patchwork Quilt, Part XI
Mark Janello:Toccata-Rondo for Harpsichord
Elaine Funaro, harpsichord
“Uno, due, tre”
Aliénor 1210
Jakub Ciupinski:Edo Lullaby
Anne Akiko Meyers, violin
“Mirror in Mirror”
Avie 2386
Alexandra Stréliski:Overturn
Alexandra Stréliski, piano
“Inscape”
Secret City Records 080
Edwin McLean:Sonata for Three Harpsichords
Elaine Funaro, Beverly Biggs, Rebecca Pechefsky, harpsichords
“Uno, due, tre”
Aliénor 1210
Adrienne Albert:War Stories
Julie Thornton, flute/piccolo; Michael Thornton, horn; Susan Grace, piano
“Passages: Music for Flute & Horn”
Albany 1705
Morten Lauridsen:O Magnum Mysterium
Anne Akiko Meyers, violin
Philharmonia Orchestra; Kristjan Järvi, conductor
“Mirror in Mirror”
Avie 2386
Run time: 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.
This week, we step back a few centuries to listen to music composed by our ancestresses, from the Medieval to the early Baroque period. From the women in the convents, to music from the troubadours, their music comes to life in these recordings.
Ancient Mothers, Part 2
Beatritz de Romans:Na Maria, pretz e fina valors
Sinfonye
“The Sweet Look and the Loving Manner”
Hyperion 624425
Maroie de Dregnau de Lille:Mout m’abelist quant je voie revenir
Sinfonye
“The Sweet Look and the Loving Manner”
Hyperion 624425
Comtessa de Dia:A chantar m’er de so qu’eu no volria
Sinfonye
“The Sweet Look and the Loving Manner”
Hyperion 624425
Almucs de Castelnau, Iseut de Capio:Domna N’Almucs, si-un plages
Sinfonye
“The Sweet Look and the Loving Manner”
Hyperion 624425
Héloïse d’Argenteuil:Rex in accutibum
Capella de Ministrers; Carles Magraner, conductor
“La cité des dames”
Licanus 133
Herrad of Landsberg:Sor oritur occasus
Capella de Ministrers; Carles Magraner, conductor
“La cité des dames”
Licanus 133
Kassia:La Mujer Caida
Capella de Ministrers; Carles Magraner, conductor
“La cité des dames”
Licanus 133
Chiara Margarita Cozzolani:Salmi a otto, motetti et dialoghi, Op. 3
Musica Secreta
“Dialogues with Heaven”
Linn 113
Run time: 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.
“It was a beautiful bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.” – Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler, so it’s a good time to listen to some Autumn music. Baroque, contemporary, vocal and instrumental works – seasonal music from talented women on this week’s episode.
Seasonal Music: Autumn
Ralph Vaughan Williams:The Unquiet Grave (Autumn), from Folk Songs of the Four Seasons
Clare College Choir, Dmitri Ensemble
David Willcocks, conductor
“Folk Songs of the Four Seasons”
Albion 010
Christopher Simpson:Autumn, from The Four Seasons
Sirius Viols
“The Four Seasons”
Deutsche Harmonia Mundi 88875190982
Edgar Meyer:Violin Concerto
Hilary Hahn, violin
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra; Hugh Wolff, conductor
“Barber & Meyer: Violin Concertos”
Sony 89029
Run time: 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.
“Vivien’s spirit lives on…in her research, in the recordings of her playing, in her compositions, in the lessons which she imparted to her students (being much more than those of finger dexterity and speed, but life lessons as well).” – Dorothy Einsidel Deimel
There are many ways to leave a legacy in the world. Vivien Harvey Slater is a name you may not know. She was a pianist, a teacher, and a scholar, who can trace her pianistic lineage back to Beethoven. This week, we’ll take a look at her life and legacy.
One Life: Vivien Harvey Slater
Carl Czerny:The School of Velocity, Book 1 (excerpts)
Vivien Harvey Slater, piano
“Carl Czerny: The School of Velocity, Op. 299”
MHS 3904
Ludwig van Beethoven:Rondon in G Major, Op. 51, No. 2
Vivien Harvey Slater, piano
“Great Master/Great Pupil”
Redwood 21
Theodor Leschetizky:Barcarolle
Theodor Leschetizky, piano
“19th Century Pianists on Welte Mignon”
Archiphon
Arthur Shepherd:Piano Sonata No. 2
Vivien Harvey Slater, piano
“American Masters: Arthur Shepherd”
CRI 783
Carl Czerny:The Art of Finger Dexterity
Vivien Harvey Slater, piano
“The Art of Finger Dexterity, Op. 740”
MHS 3431
Run time: 58:28
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.
“Music is an amazing friend in tough times.” – Pamela Highbaugh Aloni (Lafayette String Quartet)
The relationship between the musicians of a quartet is much like a marriage, with a tremendous amount of give and take, communication, and dedication necessary for a strong performance. With so much available in the string quartet repertoire, ensembles are creating new and innovative ways to keep the quartet literature vibrant. The women featured today come from many backgrounds, but all of them bring outstanding performances to these recordings.
Camille Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals (excerpts)
“Carnival Fantasy”
Warner Classics 2564693076
Run time: 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.
“Frequently women tell me that they feel empowered and can relate very directly with a woman conducting.” – Marin Alsop
More and more women are taking up the baton and stepping onto the podium to lead orchestras around the world. Season 3 of Feminine Fusion opens with just some of these talented conductors showing their skills.
Ascending the Podium
Joan Tower: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, No. 4
Colorado Symphony Orchestra;
Marin Alsop, conductor
“Fanfares for the Uncommon Woman”
Koch International 7469
Antonio Vivaldi, trans. by Franck Krawzcyk:Winter, from The Four Seasons
Les Monts du Reuil; Accentus;
Laurence Equilbey, conductor
“Accentus: Transcriptions 2”
Naive V5048
J. S. Bach:Cantata: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, BWV 51 Le Concert d’Astrée;
Emmanuelle Haïm, conductor
“Bach Cantats BWV 51, 82a & 199”
Erato 5193142
Felix Mendelssohn:Piano Concerto in A Minor
Vestards Šimkus, piano;
Kremerata Baltica; Anu Tali, conductor
“Mīļais Mendelsons un mēs. Live from Kremerata Baltica festival in Sigulda and Riga”
Baltic Records 195
Run time: 58:34
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.
“Stories don’t end. They just turn into new beginnings.” – Lindsay Eagar
Season 2 of Feminine Fusion is winding down, and today we’ll take a look back over some of the music from the past year. Ancient music, new music, music that tells a story, and the women bringing that music to life!
Season 2 Finale
Kassia:Tin pentachordon
VocaMe
“Byzantine Hymns of the First Female Composer of the Occident”
Christophorus 77308
Jean Sibelius:Finlandia
Chineke! Orchestra; Kevin John Edusei, conductor
“Dvorak” Symphony No. 9 & Sieblius: Finlandia”
Signum Classics 515
Michio Miyagi:Haro no Umi
Yolanda Kondonassis, harp
“Pictures of the Floating World”
Telarc 80488
Guillaume de Machaut:Le Voir Dit (excerpts)
Orlando Consort
“Machaut: Songs from Le Voir Dit”
Hyperion 612378
Nikolai Kapustin:Five Etudes in Different Intervals (excerpts)
Clare Hammond, piano
“Etude”
BIS 2004
William Goldstein:Colloquy
Deb Scott, trombone; Ron Petti, piano
“Playing Favorites”
Navona 6075
Seal:Kiss From a Rose
Genghis Barbie
“Genghis Barbie”
CD Baby
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.
Mark Sirett:Watane
Bella Voce Women’s Chorus of Vermont; Dawn Willis, conductor
“Heart Songs – Music of the World”
Independent Label
Eleanor Daley:Ave Maria
Bella Voce Women’s Chorus of Vermont; Dawn Willis, conductor
“Heart Songs – Music of the World”
Independent Label
Helen Chadwick:Echo
Voice
“Musical Harmony”
Independent Label
Marcus Davidson:The Silver Swan
Voice
“Musical Harmony”
Independent Label
Daniel Carr:Three Sara Teasdale Songs
Jessica Petrus, soprano; Christina Wright-Ivanova, piano
“Daniel Carr Works, Volume 1”
MSR Classics 1539
William Bolcom:Song for Black Max (from Three Cabaret Songs)
Duo Sureño
“Waking the Sparrows”
Ravello 7985
W.A. Mozart:Dove Sono (from The Marriage of Figaro)
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, soprano
London Philharmonic Orchestra; Sir Georg Solti, conductor
“The Ultimate Divas Album”
London/Decca 460596
Jerome Kern: Bill (from Show Boat)
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, soprano
London Sinfonietta; Jonathan Tunick, conductor
“Kiri Sings Kern”
Angel/EMI 54527
Run time: 58:30
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.
“We are all patchwork, and so shapeless and diverse in composition that each bit, each moment, plays its own game. And there is as much difference between us and ourselves as between us and others.” – Michel de Montaigne
The final Patchwork Quilt episode for season 2 of Feminine Fusion! It’s an eclectic selection of music for you to enjoy.
“Patchwork Quilt, Part X”
Exequiel Mantega:Emigrantes
Elena Yarritu, flute; Exequiel Mantega, piano
“Emigrantes”
MSR Classics 1591
Barbara Harbach:American Solstice
Ensemble Istropolis
“Barbara Harbach: Chamber Music I”
MSR Classics 1253
Sharon Ruchman:Hope, Mvt. 1
Mary Costanza, cello; Sharon Ruchman, piano
“Remembrance”
Independent Label
Victoria Bond:Soul of a Nation
Frank Almond, violin; Henry Fogel, narrator
Roosevelt University Chamber Orchestra; Emanuele Andrizzi, conductor
“Soul of a Nation: Portraits of Presidential Character”
Albany 1723
Run time: 58:30
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.
“A sister is both your mirror – and your opposite.” – Elizabeth Fishel
On the next episode of Feminine Fusion, sisters who make music together!
“Sisters!”
Paul Dukas: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
The 5 Browns, pianos
“The 5 Browns”
RCA B0006HHUSA
Ludwig van Beethoven:Three Marches for Piano Four Hands, Op. 45
Sara & Amy Hamann, piano
“Beethoven: Complete Piano Duos”
Grand Piano 619-20
Gabriel Pierné:Sonata for Violin and Piano in D Minor, Op. 36
“La sonate de vintueil”
Mirare 384
Johann Strauss, Jr.:Overture to “Die Fledermaus”
Sarah Ayoub, cello & piano: Laura Ayoub, violin & piano
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Mark Messenger, conductor
“The Ayoub Sisters”
Decca 4815780
Mark Ronson (arr. by The Ayoub Sisters):Uptown Funk
Sarah Ayoub, cello & piano: Laura Ayoub, violin & piano
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Mark Messenger, conductor
“The Ayoub Sisters”
Decca 4815780
Run time: 58:30
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.
“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” – Maya Angelou
It takes a brave person to leave their familiar home and settle in a new country. Yet music breaks down barriers – it is a universal language that helps to ease the transition. On this episode, we highlight women who emigrated to new countries to make their music.
Tania León:Horizons
North German Radio Symphony Orchestra; Peter Ruzikca, conductor
“Singin’ Sepia”
Bridge 9231
Chen Yi:Shuo
Ying Quartet
“Dim Sum”
Telarc 80690
Giovanni Piacentini:Ondine
Trio Casals
“Moto Bello”
Navona 6156
Gaspar Cassadó:Suite for Solo Cello (Mvts. 1 & 2)
Alisa Weilerstein, cello
“Alisa Weilerstein: Solo”
Decca 4785296
Run time: 58:30
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.
Barbara Hannigan, winner of the 2018 Grammy for classical solo vocal (Musacchio & Ianniello)
“Winning is only half of it. Having fun is the other half.” – Bum Phillips
It’s always exciting to be recognized for one’s accomplishments. On this episode, we’ll hear performances from some award-winning performers.
“Still More Prize Winners”
Igor Stravinsky:Elegie
Fenella Humphreys, violin
“Bach2 the Future, Vol. 2”
Champs Hill Records CHRCD118
Béla Bartók:Viola Concerto
Tabea Zimmermann, viola
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra; David Shallon, conductor
“Bartok – The Concerto Album”
Warner Classics 5094072
Franz Schubert:Death and the Maiden
Patricia Kopatchinskaja, violin
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
“Death and the Maiden”
Alpha 265
Du Yun: Angel’s Bone
Du Yun, Abigail Fischer, Kyle Pfortmiller, Julian Wachner, Kyle Bielfield, The Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Novus NY, Jennifer Charles
“Angel’s Bone”
National Sawdust
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Great musicians are great musicians, whether they’re playing a trombone or an electric guitar or a xylophone.” – Chris Stapleton
Time to listen to more music from some bold and brassy women – playing trumpets, trombones, and tubas!
“Bold and Brassy”
Herman Bellstedt:Piece de Concert
Raquel Rodriquez, cornet; Jan Corrothers, piano
“Cincinnati Virtuosity – The Cornet Solos of Frank Simon and Herman Bellstedt”
CD Baby
Antonin Reicha:Introduction and Rondo for Horn and Orchestra
Sarah Willis, horn
Prague Chamber Orchestra; Milan Lajcik, conductor
“Antonin Reicha: Wind Concertos”
Orfeo C170021A
Paul Hindemith:Horn Concerto
Marie-Luise Neunecker, horn
Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra; Werner Andreas Albert, conductor
“Paul Hindemith: Complete Wind Concertos”
CPO 999784
Perry Goldstein:Passage
Maureen Horgan, Julie Josephson, Scott hartman, Don Robinson, trombones
“Moe’s Bit o’ Blues”
Centaur 3241
William Goldstein:Colloquy, for Solo Trombone
Deb Scott, trombone; Ron Petti, piano
“Playing Favorites”
Navona 6075
Run time: 58:30
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.
“There is nothing greater than the joy of composing something oneself and then listening to it.” – Clara Schumann
Her concert career spanned 61 years. She was wife to Robert Schumann, and friend to Johannes Brahms. This week, we explore the life and music of this most remarkable woman.
“One Life: The Music of Clara Schumann”
C. Schumann:Four Polonaises, Op. 1
Susanne Grutzmann, piano
“Clara Schumann: The Complete Works for Piano Solo”
Profil Medien 07065
C. Schumann:Liebst du um Schoenheit
Barbara Bonney, soprano; Vladimir Ashkenazy, piano
“Robert & Clara Schumann Lieder”
London 452898
C. Schumann:Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 17
The Castle Trio
“Piano Trios of Clara & Robert Schumann”
Smithsonian 36801
C. Schumann:March in E-flat Major
Josef de Beenhouwer, piano
“Clara Schumann: Complete Piano Works”
CPO 9997582
Run time: 58:30
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.
“The piano keys are black and white, but they sound like a million colors in your mind.” – Maria Cristina Mena
In this episode, we travel across the pond to hear music from pianists working and recording in the UK.
“Keys to the Kingdom”
Gustav Holst, (arr. Bennett):Mercury, from The Planets
Susan Bradshaw and Richard Rodney Bennett, pianos
“The Planets”
Facet 8002
Leoš Janáček:In The Mists
Ivana Gavrić, piano
“In The Mists”
Champs Hill Records CHRCD009
Nikolai Kapustin: Five Etudes in Different Intervals
Clare Hammond, piano
“Etude”
BIS 2004
Michael Nyman:The Piano Concerto
Kathryn Stott, piano
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic; Michael Nyman, conductor
“Michael Nyman: The Piano Concerto”
Argo 4433822
Run time: 58:30
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.
“You must pass your days in song. Let your whole life be a song.” – Sai Baba
Vocalists take center stage in this episode of Feminine Fusion. We’ll listen to recordings, old and new, of some of the most talented women to sing for an audience.
“With a Song in Her Heart”
Charles Fernandez:Songs From A Child’s Point Of View
Melissa Fahn, soprano
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Charles Fernandez, conductor
“Sentimental and Animated”
Trone Music 1
William Bolcom (poem by Jane Kenyon): Let Evening Come
Benita Valente, soprano; Michael Tree, viola; Cynthia Raim, piano
“Let Evening Come; Briefly It Enters; Cabaret Songs Vol. 3 & 4”
Centaur 2464
Esa-Pekka Salonen:Five Images After Sappho
Dawn Upshaw, soprano
London Sinfonietta; Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor
“LA Variations”
CBS/Sony 89158
Antonio Caldara: Tanto, e con si gran piena (from Gianguir)
Cecilia Bartoli, soprano; Sol Gabetta, cello
Cappella Gabetta; Andrés Gabetta, concertmaster
“Dolce Duello”
Decca 483473
Antonio Porpora:Gli onti esperidi
Cecilia Bartoli, soprano; Sol Gabetta, cello
Cappella Gabetta; Andrés Gabetta, concertmaster
“Dolce Duello”
Decca 483473
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” – Henry James
The summer solstice is just days away. Let’s listen to music by women to celebrate this warm, sunny season.
“Seasonal Music: Summer”
George Gershwin:Summertime Leontyne Price, soprano
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra; Herbert von Karajan, conductor
“Die Fledermaus: Complete Opera Plus Bonus Gala Scene”
London 421046
Antonio Vivaldi:Summer, from The Four Seasons
Anne Sophie-Mutter, violin
Trondheim Soloists; Anne Sophie-Mutter, conductor
“Vivaldi: The Four Seasons”
Deutsche Grammophon 463259
Astor Piazzolla:Verano Porteño Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, violin
New Century Chamber Orchestra; Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, conductor
“Together”
NSS Music 2009
Paul Carr:Summer Was In August
Rachel Smith, flute; Rachel Fryer, piano
“Summer Was In August”
Campion Cameo 2030
Sally Beamish:The Imagined Sound of Sun on Stone
John Harle, saxophone
Swedish Chamber Orchestra; Ola Rudner, conductor
“The Imagined Sound of Sun on Stone”
BIS 1161
Run time: 58:30
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.
“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” – Albert Einstein
Time to add another block to our Patchwork Quilt of music written and performed by women. No special theme for this show, other than wonderful music for you to enjoy.
Mélanie Bonis:Scherzo Francesca Arnone, flute; Terry Lynn Hudson, piano
“Dedications”
MSR Classics 1431
Sergei Rachmaninoff:Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42
Jooyoung Kim, piano
“Jooyoung Kim”
MSR Classics 1636
Sergei Prokofiev:Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 63 Lisa Batiashvili, violin
Chamber Orchestra of Europe; Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor
“Visions of Prokofiev”
Deutsche Grammophon 479 8529
Run time: 58:45
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.
“A great work of art is made out of a combination of obedience and liberty.” – Nadia Boulanger
Classical music is a living thing, constantly growing and evolving. It’s not something to be put on a pedestal and held, safe and untouched, in a museum. It has gone through many changes – some good, some perhaps not so pleasant. With today’s technology, however, we have the opportunity to hear more music than ever before.
On this episode, we’ll hear some of the newest music, from women composing right here and now.
“Note by Note”
Ellen Mandel:Willow Song
Jessica Crandall, soprano; Ellen Mandel, piano
“I So Liked Spring”
Brite 617
Patricia Morehead:Disquieted Souls
Carolyn Hove, English horn
Studio Ensemble; Philip Morehead, conductor
“Good News Falls Gently”
Navona 5854
Emma Lou Diemer:Violin Concerto
Philip Ficsor, violin
Westmont Orchestra; Michael Shasberger, conductor
“Going Away”
TrueTone 9689
Nan Schwartz: Aspirations
Synchron Stage Orchestra; Kevin Purcell, conductor
“Nan Schwartz/Brenton Broadstock”
Divine Art 25165
Teresa Barrozo: Excerpt from “Ma’ Rosa”
Teresa Barrozo, electronics
Composer recording – used with permission
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Music, when soft voices die, vibrates in the memory.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley
There is something magical about the give-and-take between two individuals making music together. On this episode, women who perform in pairs.
“Two by Two”
Beethoven:Adagio für die Flötenuhr
Duo Varino
“Duo Varino”
Spektral 1286373637612
Paul Patterson: Allusions
Retorica
English Symphony Orchestra; English String Orchestra
Kenneth Woods, conductor
“21st Century Violin Concertos”
Nimbus NI6295
Nico Muhly: Fast Dances
Duo Scorpio
“Scorpion Tales”
American Modern Recordings 1035
William Bolcom: Recuerdos
Susan and Sarah Wang
“American Crossings”
Castigo Classic Recordings 02469
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Let this be my epitaph: ‘The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music’.” – Kurt Vonnegut
Every May marks Jewish American month, celebrating Jewish Americans who have helped weave the fabric of American history, culture, and society. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we hear music composed by several Jewish American women.
“Music of Faith”
Marion Bauer:Suite for String Orchestra, Op. 33
Vienna Orchestra; Charles Adler, conductor
“American Masters – Douglas Moore, Marion Bauer”
CRI 714
Gabriela Lena Frank:Compadrazgo
David Finckel, violin; Wu Han, piano
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
“Trimvirate”
Summit 573
Run time: 58:44
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.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
Music is an integral part of any society, and on this episode we listen to music from women spanning hundreds of years.
“Looking to the Past”
Mathilde von Kralik: Sonata in d minor
Donne e Doni
Musicraft 2
Tekla Bądarzewska:A Maiden’s Prayer
I Salonisti
“The Last Dance: Music for a Vanishing Era”
Deutsche Harmonia 77377
Marianne Martinez:Symphony in C Major
Bay Area Women’s Philharmonic; JoAnne Falletta, conductor
“Baroquen Treasures”
Newport 60102
Josina van Boetzelear:Tornate Sereni
Nicola Wemyss, soprano
Combattimento Consort; Jan Willem de Vriend, conductor
NM Classics 121
Run time: 58:30
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.
“You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.” – Leymah Gbowee
Who inspires you? It is the women in their lives that inspired the composers featured this week. Wife, mother, lover – music written for and dedicated to the women in their lives.
“Women Inspiring Men, Part 2”
Antonin Dvorak:Songs My Mother Taught Me
Anna Sofie von Otter, soprano
Bengt Forsberg, piano
“Folksongs”
Deutsche Grammophon 463479
J.S. Bach (arr. Thomas Frost):Little Suite from the Anna Magdalena Notebook
Philadelphia Orchestra; Eugene Ormandy, conductor
“Dinner Classics: The Sunday Brunch Album”
Sony 27987
Ludwig van Beethoven:Für Elise
Lisa Moore, piano
Philharmonia Virtuosi; Richard Kapp, conductor
“Jewels of the Classics”
RCA 61935
Edvard Grieg:Piano Concerto in A Minor
Eva Knardahl, piano
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Kjell Ingebretsen, conductor
“Edvard Grieg: The Complete Piano Music, Vol. 13”
BIS 1626
Guillaume de Machaut:Songs from Le Voir Dit
The Orlando Consort
“Machaut: Songs from Le Voir Dit”
Hyperion 612378
Run time: 58:30
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.
“An artist has no home in Europe except in Paris.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
It’s springtime – what better reason to visit Paris! Let’s take a listen to music by women performing and composing in the city of love.
“Paris in the Spring”
Lili Boulanger: D’un soir triste (Of a Sad Evening)
The Women’s Philharmonic; JoAnn Falletta, conductor
“The Women’s Philharmonic”
Koch International 7169
Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre:Céphale et Procris (ballet music) Frances Conover Fitch & Peter Sykes, harpsichords
“Protégée of the Sun King”
Centaur 2781
Louise Farrenc:Etude
Margot Dilmaghani, piano
“Celebration!”
Independent Label
Isaac Albéniz:Almeria (from Iberia)
Hélène Grimaud, piano
“Water”
Deutsche Grammophon 4795268
Eric Korngold:Concerto in One Movement for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 37
Ophélie Gaillard, cello
Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo; James Judd, conductor
“Exiles”
Aparté AP142
Marcel Landowski:Concerto for Ondes Martenot, Percussion and Orchestra
Jeanne Loriod, ondes Martenot
Philharmonie de Lorraine; Jacques Houtmann, conductor
“Landowski: Concertos pour Flute, Ondes Martenot, Piano, Improvisations pour trombone”
Koch 311175
Run time: 58:30
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.
“You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Music by three women who give voice to the earth within. Each shows the unique and personal view of each composer.
“Earth Sounds”
Elinor Remick Warren: Singing Earth Thomas Hampson, baritone
Polish National Radio Orchestra; Bruce Freden, conductor
“Singing Earth”
Cambria 1095
Gwyneth Walker:I Speak For The Earth
Donne e Doni
“Donne e Doni, Vol. II”
Musicraft 2
Ruth Watson Henderson: Voices of Earth Amadeus Choir: Lydia Adams, director
Bach Children’s Chorus; Linda Beaupré, director
“Voices of Earth”
Centrediscs 21915
Run time: 58:40
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.
“We all matter together, and only together.” – Ilona Andor
There is something special about the sound of a women’s chorus. On this episode, we hear performances from five different choirs, and talk about the power of music.
Ivan Spassov:Mechmetiu (folk version)
Plovdiv Academy Folk Choir
Vassilka Spassova, conductor
“Spassov: Choral Music”
Labor LAB7041
Ivan Spassov: Mechmetiu (chamber choir version) Plovdiv Academy Female Chamber Choir
Krikor Chetinian, conductor
“Spassov: Choral Music”
Labor LAB7041
Eric Whitacre:She Weeps Over Rahoon
Brigham Young University Women’s Chorus; David M. Thomas, conductor
“Whitacre: Choral Works, Vol. 2”
BYU Music Group YCD0314EW2
Daniel McDavitt:Locus Iste
Brigham Young University Women’s Chorus
Jean Applonie, conductor
Digital Release
Jamie Thierman:Oh, Let me Die In Music’s Arms
Vox Femina
Iris Levine, conductor
“2012 American Choral Directors Association Western Division Conference”
Mark Records 9959
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:Andante cantabile from String Quartet No. 1, Op. 11
Women’s Choir of Haarlem, Holland
Leny van Shaik, conductor
“Paradise Road (soundtrack)”
Sony G010001222943R
Run time: 58:47
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.
Conductors Laura Jackson (L), Marin Alsop (R), and Mei-Ann Chen
“Your job is to represent the music and the composer, and that’s all you have to do.” – Marin Alsop
Women are still fighting the stigma that they are not capable of being effective conductors. On this episode, you’ll hear performances from five talented women, proving their nay-sayers wrong with every beat of their baton.
“At The Helm”
Jacques Offenbach:Jacqueline’s Tears Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello
City of Birmingham Orchestra; Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, conductor
“Inspiration”
Decca Classics 4832948
Richard Danielpour:A Child’s Reliquary
Jaime Laredo, violin; Sharon Robinson, cello
Vermont Symphony Orchestra; Sarah Hicks, conductor
“Triple Doubles”
Bridge 9354
Michael Daugherty:Time Machine
Bournemouth Symphony
Marin Alsop, Mei-Ann Chen, Laura Jackson – conductors
“Route 66”
Naxos 8559613
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Music offers composers an immeasurably rich and generous sonic landscape in which to explore the ‘life story’ of each musical idea.” – Melinda Wagner
This week, we hear an archived episode of Feminine Fusion. Originally broadcast in Spring of 2017, it’s a wonderful mix of music I think you’ll enjoy:
“Patchwork Quilt III”
Patricia Morehead:Just Before The Rain Dimitris Marinos, mandolin; Elizabeth Stuart, cello; Christie Miller, clarinet
“Brass Rail Blues”
Navona Records 5953
Alicia Terzian:Tres Piezas
Siberian State Symphony Orchestra; Vladimir Lande, conductor
“Off The Edge”
Navona Records 6088
Juli Nunlist:Spells
Vox Futura; Andrew Shenton, conductor; Noel Smith, director
“Spells: The Works of Juli Nunlist”
Navona Records 6096
Melinda Wagner:Wick New York New Music Ensemble; Jeffrey Milarsky, conductor
Bridge Records 9345
Run time: 58:48
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.
Gary Schocker: Silkworms Cline/Cuestas Duo
“Facets”
Independent Label
Run time: 58:30
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.
“The words of the bards come down the centuries to us, warm with living breath.” – Pádraic Pearse.
Let us sit for a while and tell stories. On this episode, words and music that tell tales about Turnips, Clocks, Swans and Nightingales.
“Folktales”
Rouen Shakarian: The Turnip and The Wonderful Counting Clock
Rainier Chamber Winds; Kathleen Macferran, conductor
“Tales Told in the Winds”
MMC Recordings 2017
Edie Hill: From the Wingbone of a Swan The Crossing
“Clay Jug”
Navona 6073
Mark Christopher Brandt: The Nightingale (excerpts)
Yana Nikol, flute; Katherine Colburn, cello; Mark Christopher Brandt, piano
“The Nightingale”
Lionheart Music East 51317
Run time: 58:40
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.
Jennifer Higdon, with her 2018 Grammy for Best Contemporary Classical Composition
“Everyone runs into naysayers, but if you love something enough and feel passionately enough, you just go on ahead, walk right round the person saying it, proceed down the road and don’t look back.” – Jennifer Higdon
Jennifer Higdon’s music is some of the most widely performed contemporary classical music today. On this episode, we learn about her music, and a little about the composer herself.
“One Life: Jennifer Higdon”
rapid♦fire
Jonathan Keeble, flute
“Voyage: American Works for Flute and Harp”
Albany TROY1185
Autumn Music Musical Arts Woodwind Quintet
“American Breeze”
Albany TROY1369
O Magnum Mysterium
Handel and Haydn Society Chorus
“All is Bright”
Avie 2078
Selections from “Cold Mountain”
Santa Fe Opera’ Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor
“Cold Mountain”
Pentatone
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.
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” – Judy Garland
On this episode, we’re counting on women. Solo, duo, trio, and quartet, from piano to strings to winds to brass.
“One, Two, Three, Four”
Sergei Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 83
Martha Argerich, piano
“Martha Argerich: Early Recordings”
Deutsche Grammophon 479 5978
Joaquin Rodrigo:Fantasia para un gentilhombre Sparx
“Reflections”
Firestar 978795
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Piano Trio
The Claremont Trio
“American Trios”
Tria
Jónsi:Hengilás
Genghis Barbie
“Songs for Noa”
CD Baby
Run time: 58:21
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.
“I am not with the drummer. I AM the drummer.” – Michelle Sandlin
It’s been a while since we showcased percussionists on Feminine Fusion. So here is an opportunity to listen to another group of talented women percussionists. You may not have heard their names before, but I’m sure they’ll make an impression.
“The Beat Goes On”
Nancy van de Vate: Two for Two
Jane Boxall, marimba
“Nancy van de Vate: Chamber Music, Vol. IX”
Vienna Modern Masters 2055
Keiko Abe: Michi
Rebecca Kite, marimba
“Prism”
CD Baby
Jeffrey Dennis Smith:Tiger Dance
Julia Gaines, marimba
Ian Mcclaflin, Matt Steins, Kyle Bauche, Ben Gervais – percussion
“Tiger Dance”
Centaur 3509
Eric Ewazen: Northern Lights
She-e Wu, marimba
“Snapshot”
CD Baby
Run time: 59:00
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.
“We are all patchwork, and so shapeless and diverse in composition that each bit, each moment, plays its own game.” – Michel de Montaigne
Time for another Patchwork Quilt episode. Here are some works that I’m excited to share with you.
“Patchwork Quilt VII”
Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph: Suite Afrique
Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph, piano; Walter Money, viola
Live performance – used with permission
Patricia Julien:Among the Hidden Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra; Petr Vronsky, conductor
“Prisma”
Navona 6141
Dalia Raudinokytė With: Primo cum lumine solis
Daniel Lippe, guitar
“Solitarius”
New Focus Recordings 186
Paulinho da Viola & Fernando Costa:Choro Negro
Margaret Herlehy, oboe; Henrique Eisenmann, piano
“Rosewood Café”
Big Round Records 8950
Jennifer Higdon: Violin Concerto, I. 1726
Hilary Hahn, violin
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Vasily Petrenko, conductor
“Retrospective”
Deutsche Grammophon 479 8295
Run time: 58:30
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.
Jane Little, double bass with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
“It is an attention-getter. I mean, it’s hard to ignore a woman lugging a cello around.” – Lori Singer
This week we focus on the low strings – cello and bass – and the talented women who play. You’ll also learn about Jane Little, who holds the Guiness world record for the longest-serving orchestral musician.
“Low Strung”
Ludwig van Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 4 in C Major
Jacqueline Du Pré, cello; Daniel Barenboim, piano
“Beethoven: Cello Sonatas & Variations”
Angel/EMI 86242
Franz Joseph Haydn:Piano Trio No. 25 in G Major Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio
(Sharon Robinson, cello; Jaime Laredo, violin; Joseph Kalichstein, piano)
“Joseph Haydn Piano Trios”
Dorian 90164
Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf: Double Bass Concerto No. 2 in D Major
Chi-chi Nwanoku, double bass
Swedish Chamber Orchestra; Paul Goodwin, conductor
“Double Bass Concertos”
Hyperion 67179
Antonin Dvořák:Slavonic Dance No. 12
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Yoel Levi, conductor
with Jane Little, double bass
“Dvorak Slavonic Dances, Op. 40 & Op 72”
Telarc 80497
Run time: 58:45
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.
“My goal would be trying to bring some light to the world, which is often a dark and violent place.” – Leila Josefowicz
Today it’s the first of two episodes featuring the strings. We’ll hear solos and concertos featuring the violin and viola. (And there will be no viola jokes!)
Robert Beaser:Sonata for Violin and Piano Ann Miller, violin; Sonia Leong, piano
“Perspectives on Light & Shadow”
Independent Label
Helen Stanley: Concerto Romantico
Karen Dreyfus, viola
Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra; Vladimir Valek, conductor
“American Journeys”
MMC Recordings 2149
J.S. Bach:Chromatic Fantasy in d minor, BWV 903
Nobuko Imai, viola
“Viola Bouquet”
Philips 446103
Run time: 58:30
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.
Harpist Nancy Allen gives instruction during a masterclass
“That is the difference between good teachers and great teachers: good teachers make the best of a pupil’s means; great teachers foresee a pupil’s ends.” – Maria Callas
A successful music teacher is one who can not only pass on the technical skills her students need to perform, but the professional experience they need to thrive. Here is music performed by women who are teaching the next generation of musicians.
“Today’s Teachers: Performers”
Tobias Hume: Death (from The First Part of Ayres)
Sarah Cunningham, viola da gamba
“Play This Passionate”
Virgin Classics Veritas 85801
Robert Starer:Annapolis Suite for Brass & Harp Nancy Allen, harp; American Brass Quintet
“Nancy Allen, Harp: Ravel & Debussy”
Angel/EMI 47520
Leo Janacek: Pohadka
Vivian Weilerstein, piano; Alisa Weilerstein, cello
“Works for Cello and Piano”
Angel/EMI 73498
Michio Miyago:Haru no Umi (The Sea in Spring)
Yolanda Kondonassis, harp
“Pictures of the Floating World”
Telarc 80488
Nicholas Ascioti:Adirondack Tableau
Trio Casals (Sylvia Ahramjian, violin; Ovidiu Marinescu, cello; Anna Kislitsyna, piano)
“Moto Continuo”
Navona 6003
Georg Philipp Telemann:Quartet No. 2 in E Minor
Melomanie (Kimberley Reighley & Tom Moore, baroque flutes; Douglas McNames, baroque cello; Tracy Richardson, harpsichord)
“Georg Philipp Telemann”
Lyrichord 8028
Run time: 58:00
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.
“I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say in any other way – things that I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
Music and art reflect the world in ways that are impossible to describe with words. On this episode, we hear music inspired by the American west, including several works inspired by the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe.
“The American West”
Roy Harris: Symphony No. 3
Colorado Symphony Orchestra; Marin Alsop, conductor
“Harris: Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4”
Naxos 559227
Samuel R. Hazo: Blue and Green Music
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Wind Ensemble; Jason Worzbyt, conductor
“Hazo: Works for Concert Band”
Klavier Records 11212
Lon W. Chaffin:Music, Pink and Blue (from “Faraway Nearby”)
Celeste Shearer, horn; Jim Shearer, tuba; Darrell Fitzpartin, piano
“Haunted American Suite”
Summit Records 647
Ned Rorem:Santa Fe Songs (selections)
Sara Fulgoni, soprano; Chamber Domaine
“Rorem: The Auden Songs, The Santa Fe Songs”
Black Box 1104
Run time: 58:45
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.
“There is nothing to playing the organ. You only have to hit the right notes at the right time and the instrument plays itself.” – Johann Sebastian Bach
The organ is a fascinating instrument. Each one is different, and brings a unique sound and feeling to a performance. This week, music for the organ composed and performed by women.
“Too Many Keyboards”
George Frideric Handel: Organ Concerto No. 10
Marie-Claire Alain, organ
Paillard Chamber Orchestra; Jean-François Paillard, conductor
“Handel: The Organ Concertos, Vol. 2”
Boston Skyline 136
Herman Berlinski:The Burning Bush Barbara Harbach, organ
“Herman Berlinski”
Naxos 559446
Libby Larsen: Tambourines
Ji-yoen Choi, organ
“Laureate Series – Organ”
Naxos 555367
Florence Price:Variations on a Folksong
Margaret Martin Kvamme, organ
“Sevenfold Gifts”
Albany 940
J.S. Bach:Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540
Dame Gillian Weir, organ
“Organ Master Series: Volume Four – Organ Works of J.S. Bach”
Priory 800 AB
Run time: 58:30
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.
John Thow:Breath of the Sun
Laurel Zucker, Christina Yu, Christmas Gainsburg, flutes
Charlene Romano, alto flute
“Native American Stories in Classical Flute Music”
Cantilena 66017
Run time: 58:35
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.
“We wait for the new year to appear to us like the hopeful sun bringing aspiring light to an eager world.” – Munia Khan
On this New Year’s Eve, we look back at women in music throughout the ages. From Medieval to Modern, here is music by women over the centuries:
“To Ring In the New Year”
Kassia:I Edessa
VocaMe
“Byzantine Hymns of the First Female Composer”
Christophorus 77308
Hildegard of Bingen:Ave generosa
Oxford Camerata: Jeremy Summerly, conductor
“Heavenly Revelations”
Naxos 550998
Blanche of Castile:Amours, u trop tart me sui pris
Andrea Folan, soprano; Elizabeth Conversation
“The Medieval Lady”
Leonarda 340
Francesca Caccini:Dov’io credea
Ingrid Matthews, violin; Byron Schenkman, harpsichord
“Canzoni Da Sonar: Early Italian Violin Music”
Centaur 2529
Louise Farrenc:Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in E-flat Major, Op. 44
The Leroy Trio
“Trios for Clarinet, Cello and Piano”
Pan Classics 510085
Cecile Chaminade:Valse Caprice, Op. 33
Enid Katahn, piano
Gasparo 247
Roxanna Panufnik:I Dream’d
Joyful Company of Singers; Peter Broadbent, conductor
“A Garland for Linda”
EMI 56961
Run time: 59:00
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.
“Certainly this song I’ve seen, this song I’ve heard sun
as I lay this Yule day alone in my longing.”
Als I Lay on Yoolis Night (Anonymous)
An hour of music written for the Christmas season…
“On Christmas Eve”
Samuel Barber:Die Natali
Royal Scottish National Orchestra; Marin Alsop, conductor
Naxos 559133
Pietro Antonio Locatelli:Concerto No. 8 “Christmas Concerto”
Tafelmusik; Jeanne Lamon, conductor
Analekta 9811
Johann Melchior Molter:Concerto Pastorale in G Major
La Pietà; Angèle Dubeau, conductor
Analekta 8730
Anonymous:Als I Lay on Yoolis Night
Anonymous 4
Valley Entertainment 15024
Run time: 58:30
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.
In winter
all the singing is in
the tops of the trees
White-Eyes, a poem by Mary Oliver
We are approaching the Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. On this episode, a variety of both music and poetry, all courtesy of talented women.
“Seasonal Music: Winter”
Claude Debussy:Snow is Falling, from Children’s Corner
Larissa Dedova, piano
Centaur 3094
I’lana Sandra Cotton:Music for Midwinter
Max Lifchitz, piano
North/South Recordings 1043
Lars-Erik Larsson:A Winter’s Tale
New York Scandia Symphony; Dorritt Matson, conductor
Centaur 2607
Dominick Argento:Winter
Barbara Bonney, soprano; André Previn, piano
London 455511
Daniel Crozier:Winter Aubade
Heidi Williams, piano
Albany 1298
Antonio Vivaldi:Winter, from the Four Seasons
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Buffalo Philharmonic 2
Run time: 58:50
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.
Chi-chi Nwanoku, double-bassist and founder of the Chineke! Orchestra
“Music does not discriminate.” – Chi-chi Nwanoku
Women have made tremendous strides in the Classical music world. Nearly 50% of professional orchestra musicians are women nowadays. Yet only about 4.5% – both men and women – are musicians of color. This episode of Feminine Fusion showcases some of the talented women of color performing today.
“Women of Color: Performers, Part 2”
Michael Brown:Echoes of Byzantium
Elena Urioste, violin; Michael Brown, piano
“Echoes”
Bis 2284
J.S. Bach:Partita No. 2 in d minor, BWV 1004 (excerpts)
Nokuthula Ngwenyama, viola
“J.S. Bach: Partitas”
EDI Records 829757673820
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson:Lamentations: A Black Folk Song Suite
Tahirah Whittington, cello
“Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: A Celebration”
Cedille Records 087
Jean Sibelius:Finlandia
Chineke! Orchestra; Kevin John Edusei, conductor
“Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 & Sibelius: Finlandia”
Signum Classics 515
Run time: 58:41
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.
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Berthold Auerbach
Time for another Patchwork Quilt episode. Here is a sampling of some of the music by women that has recently arrived in our studios.
“Patchwork Quilt, Part 6”
Einojuhani Rautavaara:Fantasia, for violin and orchestra
Anne Akiko Meyers, violin
Philharmonia Orchestra; Kristjan Järvi, conductor
“Fantasia”
Avie 2585
Claude Debussy:Premiere Rhapsodie for clarinet and piano
Jennifer Showalter, clarinet; Joel Clifft, piano
“European Adventure”
Jennifer Showalter 1001
Mona Lyn Reese:The Mitten
Mona Lyn Reese, narrator
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra; Petr Vronsky, conductor
“The Mitten”
Navona 6132
Caroline Shaw:Valencia
Jasper String Quartet
“Unbound”
Sono Luminus 92212
Eugène Ysaÿe:Sonata No. 2, Op. 27 Jennifer Koh, violin “Bach & Beyond, Part I” Cedille 134
Run time: 58:45
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.
Marie-Nicole Lemieux in “Samson et Dalila” (photo by Yves Renaud)
“The soft contralto notes of a woman’s voice are born in the immediate region of the heart.” – Alfred de Musset
There is a wonderful richness to the contralto voice. This week, we’ll hear performances from four marvelous contraltos, recorded over the last six decades.
“One Voice”
Johannes Brahms:Two Songs for Alto, Viola and Piano
Marian Anderson, contralto
William Primrose, viola; Franz Rupp, piano
“Alto Rhapsody”
Pearl 9069
Sir Lennox Berkeley:Four Poems of St. Teresa of Avila
Kathleen Ferrier, contralto
Hallé Orchestra; Sir John Barbirolli, conductor
“Kathleen Ferrier and Friends”
Pearl 229
Sergei Prokofiev:The Field of Death (from “Alexander Nevsky)
Ewa Podleś, contralto
Filharmonia Poznanka, Lukasz Borowicz, conductor
“World Opera Stars: Ewa Podleś Live”
Dux 1134
Franz Schubert:Ave Maria Marian Anderson, contralto; Kosti Vehanen, piano “Marian Anderson: Let Freedom Ring!” JSP Records 683
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Canadian pride may not rest on our sleeves, but it resides deeply in our hearts.” – Steve Miller
This week, we travel north to hear music from some talented Canadian composers and performers.
“O, Canada!”
Larysa Kuzmenko:Melancholy Waltz (from Suite of Dances)
Susan Hoeppner, flute; Lydia Wong, piano
“Canadian Flute Masterpieces”
Centrediscs 23116
Violet Archer:Concerto No.1 for Piano and Orchestra
Christina Petrowska Quillico, piano
Toronto Symphony Orchestra; Sir John Eliot Gardiner, conductor
“3 Concerti”
Centrediscs 15610
Philip Glass:String Quartet No. 3 (Mishima)
Angèle Dubeau and members of La Pietà
“Philip Glass: Portrait”
Analekta 8727
Antonio Vivaldi:Concerto for Cello in c minor
Ofra Harnoy, cello
Toronto Chamber Orchestra; Paul Robinson, conductor
“Vivaldi Cello Concertos, Vol. 1”
RCA Victor 7774-2
Fritz Kreisler:La Gitana Lara St. John, violin; Ilan Rechtman, piano
“Gypsy”
Well Tempered Productions 5185
J.S. Bach (arr. Magnus Fiennes): Fugue
Lara St. John, violin; Trilok Gurtu, tabla & percussion; Chris Laurence, double bass; Matthew Sharp, cello; Krizszhoff Chorzelski, viola
“re: Bach”
Odyssey 93022
Run time: 58:42
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.
“It has happened more than once that a composition has come to me, ready-made as it were, between the demands of other work” – Mrs. H.H.A. (Amy) Beach
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Amy Beach. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we’ll learn about her life, and hear works from orchestra to opera.
“One Life: Amy Cheney Beach”
Amy Beach:Graduale from Mass in E-flat Major
Stow Festival Orchestra and Chorus; Barbara Jones, director
“Grand Mass in E-flat Major”
Albany 179
Beach:Symphony in E Minor, “Gaelic”
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Karl Kruger, conductor
“William Grant Still/Amy Beach”
Library of Congress 105
Beach:Theme and Variations for Flute and String Quartet (excerpts)
Chamber Music Palm Beach
“Prisms”
Klavier 11142
Beach:“Ladies and Gentlemen” from Cabildo
New York Concert Singers; Ransom Wilson, conductor
“Cabildo, An Opera Premiere and Six Short Pieces”
Delos 3170
Run time: 58:45
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.
Antonio Franchi’s Personification of Music, St. Cecilia
“Let’s not judge. Let’s draw inspiration from each other’s stories – successes and failures – and realize we’re all connected.” – Cory Booker
On this episode, it’s another look at women who inspire other women. Composers, performers, teachers – inspiration comes from many different sources, and manifests in a variety of ways.
“Women Inspiring Women, Part II”
Judith Shatin:The Passion of St. Cecilia
Gayle Martin Henry, piano
Moravian Phliharmonic; Joel Suben, conductor
“Piping the Earth”
Ravello Records 7825
Joan Tower:Rising
Carol Wincenc, flute
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
“American Flute Quintets”
Bridge 9373
Anthony Plog:Sonata for Tuba and Piano
Velvet Brown, tuba; Margaret McDonald, piano
“Simply Velvet”
Potenza Music 1019
Run time: 58:37
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.
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
What’s the scariest music you can think of? For some, it’s any music written by a woman. So today it’s a twist on “scary music,” with some interesting ideas on what makes music good or bad.
Amy Cheney Beach:Romance
Rachel Barton Pine, violin; Matthew Hagle, piano
“American Virtuosa – Tribute to Maud Powell”
Cedille 97
Clara Schumann:Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 7
Angela Cheng, piano
Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra; JoAnn Falletta, conductor
“The Women’s Philharmonic”
Koch Int’l 7169
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel:Das Heimweh, & Italien
Laura Kolb, soprano; Arlene Shrut, piano
“Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Lieder”
Centaur 2120
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Creativity is an inherent human quality of the highest order. When we create, we become more than the sum of our parts.” – Yanni
When a group of talented musicians come together as a whole, the music they play is elevated to an entirely new level. On this episode, you’ll hear a diverse array of ensembles and styles, all with one thing in common: each ensemble represents a group of women who have come together to breathe life into the music.
Barbara Strozzi:L’amante segreto
SIREN Baroque
“Siren Song”
Siren Baroque
Jan Koetsier:Brass Symphony, Op. 80
tenThing
“10”
Warner Classics
Jean Sibelius:Solitude (from Belshazzar’s Feast, Op. 51)
Genghis Barbie
“Amp It Up”
CD Baby
Seal:Kiss From A Rose
Genghis Barbie
“Genghis Barbie”
CD Baby
Run time: 58:45
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.
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lena Horne
Maestra Xian Zhang says, “conducting is somehow an intimidating job to think about. It is not only women who don’t go into this. Not a lot of men think about becoming conductors either.” On this episode, three women – conductors, artistic directors, educators – who are overcoming both racial and gender bias to succeed in their field.
Adriana Hölszky:Floten des Lichts
Kay George Roberts, conductor
Renate Brosch, soprano; Commonwealth Winds
“Message: Five Vocal Works”
CPO 999290-2
Astor Piazzolla:Four Seasons in Buenos Aires
Jeri Lynne Johnson, conductor
Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra
(Live performance – used with permission)
Run time: 58:30
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.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (photo by Scott Ferguson)
“I don’t think I’ve ever been taught something because I’m a girl, nor not taught because I’m a girl. That’s because of people like Susan [Slaughter].” – Karin Bliznik, Principal Trumpet, SLSO
Since the 1960s, professional orchestras have become steadily more gender balanced. Nowadays, there is almost a 50/50 ratio of women to men behind the music stands. And the technical agility of the ensembles overall has improved, not so much as a result of the increased presence of women, but rather because musicians are being judged on their performance instead of their gender.
“Taking Their Places”
Benjamin Britten:Dies Irae, from Sinfonia da Requiem
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; André Previn, conductor
“The Red Pony/Sinfonia Da Requiem”
Columbia Masterworks 6583
John Adams:City Noir
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; David Robertson, conductor
“John Adams: City Noir”
Nonesuch 541356-2
Anton Bruckner:Scherzo, from Symphony No. 9 in D Minor
Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Riccardo Muti, conductor
“Bruckner 9”
CSO Recordings 901-1701
Run time: 58:30
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.
Christina Rusnak:Dearly Departed
Ensemble Vocal Luna
“Intersections”
Ansonica 0002
Manuel de Falla (arr. by Sharon Isbin):Siete canciones populares españolas
Isabel Leonard, mezzo-soprano; Sharon Isbin, guitar
“Alma Española”
Bridge 9491
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.” – Yip Harburg
There is something special about the sound of women’s voices singing together. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we’ll hear music from three women’s choirs, and a trio based in Norway.
“Sing Together”
Abbie Betinis: Chant for Great Compassion
Amasong
“Everything She Touches Changes”
Audio & Video Labs, Inc.
George Mabry: Three Emily Dickinson Songs Milwaukee Choral Artists
“Sky-Born Music”
Clarion 936
Keith Hamel: Salem, 1692 Elektra Women’s Choir
“Legacy”
Centrediscs 6800
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.
“The world is wrong side up. It needs to be turned upside down in order to be right side up.” – Billy Sunday
This week’s episode is devoted to music from the Southern Hemisphere. From South America, South Africa, and Australia – with a tale of classical music performed in the Antarctic!
“Upside Down”
Alice Terzian: Tres Piezas
Siberian State Symphony Orchestra; Vladimir Lande, conductor
“Off The Edge”
Navona 6088
Astor Piazzolla: Tres Movimentos Sinfonicos, Buenos Aires Janjo Mosalini, bandonéon
Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra; Gisele Ben-Dor
“The Soul of Tango”
Delos 3345
Gioachino Rossini: Una voce poco fa (from Barber of Seville) Pretty Yende, soprano
Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale Deali Rai;Marco Armiliato, conductor
“A Journey”
Sony 3520186
Dennis Eberhard: Especially…
Alice Giles, harp
“Especially…”
Tall Poppies 213
Run time: 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.
Composer Caroline Shaw and Roomful of Teeth at the Grammys
“Awards can give you a tremendous amount of encouragement to keep getting better, no matter how young or old you are.” – Alan Alda
It is always exciting to see someone recognized for their achievements. On this episode, you’ll hear works from two women whose accomplishments have been – and continue to be – lauded.
“More Prize Winners”
Caroline Shaw: Partita for 8 Voices
Roomful of Teeth
“Partita for 8 Voices”
New Amsterdam
Esa-Pekka Salonen: Violin Concerto Leila Josefowicz, violin
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra; Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor
“Out of Nowhere”
Deutsche Grammophon
Run time: 58:30
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.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles
Season 2 of Feminine Fusion begins with another look at early music composed by women. Some of the earliest works on record are from Kassia, a Byzantine abbess – and the only woman to ha e her works incorporated into official service books for use in church worship. You’ll also be introduced to Khosrovidukht, Tibors de Sarenom, and more.
“Ancient Mothers”
Kassia: I Edessa; Tin pentachordon; Five Hymns to St. Christina
VocaMe
“Byzantine Hymns of the first female composer of the Occident”
Christophorus
Khosrovidukht: Zarmanali e Ints (Wondrous it is to me) Sharakan Early Music Ensemble
“The Music of Armenia, Volume Two”
Celestial Harmonies
Tibors de Sarenom: Bel dous amics
Els Trobadors
“Et Ades Sera L’Alba”
Sonifolk
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.
“I want to say to all the young women out there, as I say to all young people: believe in yourselves, follow your passion and never give up, because you will create a future filled with possibilities.” – Marin Alsop
It’s hard to believe that Feminine Fusion is marking it’s first full year on the air! From the Medieval sacred music of Hildegard of Bingen, to the latest experimental music being created today; from women around the world, of all races and cultures; from solo works to orchestras and choruses, we have covered a lot of ground these last 12 months.
On this episode, we’ll revisit a few of the works we’ve heard, from some of the inspiring women we’ve met along the way.
Thanks for an incredible year, and I look forward to many more!
“A Year On the Air!”
Clara Schumann: Three Romances for Violin & Piano
Donne e Doni
“Music by Women Composers”
Musicraft
Jessie Montgomery: Rhapsody No. 1 for Solo Violin Jessie Montgomery, violin
“Strum”
Azica Records
Astor Piazzolla: Lo que vendra
Razumovsky Orchestra, Peter Breiner – conductor
Sefika Kutluer, flute
“Tango Goes Symphony”
Naxos
Penka Kouneva: The Woman Astronaut
The Hollywood Studio Symphony, Eimear Noone, conductor
“The Woman Astronaut”
Varese Sarabande
Libby Larsen: Marima Concerto After Hampton
Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop – conductor
John Kinzie, marimba
“Libby Larsen: Deep Summer Music, Solo Symphony, Marimba Concerto After Hampton”
Koch International
Sadie Harrison:Gulistan-e Nur: The Rosegarden of Light (Interludes) Ensemble Zohra
“The Rosegarden of Light”
Toccata Classics
Run time: 58:30
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.
“For me, playing music is about transporting to another way of life, another way of being.” – Yuja Wang
The piano is, in many ways, an orchestra contained in a single instrument. On this episode, we’ll return to the keyboard to hear three outstanding pianists in performance.
“At the Keyboard, Part 2”
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 7, Op. 10, No. 3 Martha Argerich, piano
“Martha Argerich: Early Recordings”
Deutsche Grammophon 4798978
Franz Liszt (arr. by Sergei Rachmaninov):Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in c# minor
Olga Kern, piano
“Rachmaninov: Transcriptions/Corelli Variations”
Harmonia Mundi 907336
Maurice Ravel: Concerto in G Major for Piano and Orchestra Yuja Wang, piano
Tonhalle Orchestra of Zurich; Lionel Bringuier, conductor
“Ravel”
Deutsche Grammophon 4794954
Run time: 59′ 17″
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.
“O! for a muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention.” – Shakespeare
Fire is inspirational, and this episode looks at several different ways in which that inspiration is expressed. We’ll listen to music ranging from the Medieval to the present, from the “Fire of Creation” in the visions of Hildegard of Bingen, to a “Fire and Blood” performance from Ida Kavafian.
“Elemental Music: Fire”
Manuel de Falla: Danza Ritual del Fuego (Ritual Fire Dance) Katia & Marielle Labèque
“España!”
Philips 438938
Hildegard of Bingen:Vision 1: The Fire of Creation
Anonymous 4
“The Origin of Fire”
Harmonia Mundi 807327
Jennifer Higdon: Summer Shimmers Susan Glaser, flute; Lark Chamber Artists
“Summer Shimmers”
Koch International Classics 7730
Libby Larsen:Deep Summer Music Colorado Symphony Orchestra; Marin Alsop, conductor
“Deep Summer Music/Solo Symphony/Marimba Concerto: After Hampton”
Koch International Classics 7520
Michael Daugherty:Fire and Blood Ida Kavafian, violin
Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Neeme Järvi, conductor
“Fire & Blood/MotorCity Triptych/Raise the Roof”
Naxos 559372
Run time: 58′ 49″
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.
“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” – Stephen King
This week, a look at women who stand out as soloists, many playing instruments traditionally viewed as “masculine.” We’ll hear horn, trumpet, and trombone, along with clarinet and harp, as we listen to these tremendous musicians showcase their music.
“On Her Own”
Gioachino Rossini: Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra Sharon Kam, clarinet
Berlin Chamber Philharmonic; Axel Gerhardt, conductor
“Works for Clarinet and Orchestra”
Berlin Classics 219305
Manuel deFalla:Siete canciones españolas
Alison Balsom, trumpet
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra; Edward Gardner, conductor
“Caprice”
Angel/EMI 53255
Robert Elhai: Water Awakening Rebecca Cherian, trombone; Rodrigo Ojeda, piano
“Water Awakening”
RBC 1001
Trygve Madsen:Trio for Violin, Horn & Piano Frøydis Ree Wekre, horn; Atle Sponberg, violin; Tor Espen Aspaas, piano
“Ceros”
2L 25
Deborah Henson-Conant:Baroque Flamenco Deborah Henson-Conant, harp
“Invention & Alchemy”
Golden Cage 6002
Run time: 58′ 31″
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.
“I think women who don’t understand boundaries are fascinating.” – Elizabeth Reaser
Music is not always neat and orderly. Even the definition of “music” is not always clear-cut. On this episode, women who are exploring sound worlds and pushing the boundaries of music.
“Pushing Boundaries”
Laurie Anderson: World Without End Laurie Anderson; Kevin Killen – effects
“Big Red”
Warner Bros. Records 9362 45534-2
Leila Bordreuil:No Name III
Leila Bordreuil, cello; Zach Rowden, double bass
“Hollow”
No Rent Records NRR50
Lea Bertucci: Unbroken Plane Lea Bertucci, alto saxophone
“Light Silence, Dark Speech”
Il Dischi Del Barone IDDB003
Randall Woolf:What Remains of a Rembrandt Kathleen Supové, piano
“The Debussy Effect”
New Focus Recordings 170
Laurie Anderson: O Superman Laurie Anderson
“Live in New York”
Nonesuch Records 79681
Run time: 58′ 44″
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.
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” – Albert Einstein
It takes real dedication to not only create new music, but to teach and mentor aspiring composers at the same time. This week, we’ll hear music from several composers who are also well-respected teachers.
“Today’s Teachers: Composers”
Tania León (poems by Rita Dove): Singin’ Sepia Tony Arnold, soprano; David Greshman, clarinet; Renee Jolles, violin; Joel Sachs & Cheryl Seltzer, piano
“Singin’ Sepia”
Bridge 9231
Anna Weesner: Flexible Parts for Viola & Piano
Melia Watras, viola; Kimberly Russ, piano
“Short Stories”
Fleur de Son 58007
Jennifer Margaret Barker: Blue Waters
Heather Corbett, vibraphone
“Nyvaigs”
Composers Recordings (CRI)
Hilary Tann: Light from The Cliffs Eunmi Ko, piano
“The Musical Landscapes of Hilary Tann”
Centaur 3357
Missy Mazzoli: Vespers for a New Dark Age (Interlude I) Victoire
“Vespers for a New Dark Age”
New Amsterdam 062
Run time: 58:30
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.
“A band of women is never just a band. It’s always excotic.” – Roz Cron, former member of Ada Leonard’s All-American Girl Orchestra & The Sweethearts
“Swing Shift Maisies,” the musical version of Rosie the Riveter, had their heyday during World War II. The return of the soldiers after the war saw the demise of the all-woman orchestra. But we have seen new all-female orchestras arise again in the last several years, albeit for different reasons. We’ll hear from a few of them on this episode.
“The All-Woman Orchestra”
Edvard Grieg: Piano Concerto, from Song of Norway Phil Spitalny and the Hour of Charm Orchestra
“The Hour of Charm Radio Broadcasts”
Old Time Radio Catalog
Maddalena Sirmen: Violin Concerto No. 5
Terry Baune, violin
Bay Area Women’s Philharmonic; JoAnn Falletta, conductor
“Baroquen Treasures”
Newport 60102
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550
Rachel Porter’s All Female Orchestra
“Mozart Performed with Feeling”
Orange Leisure
Nino Rota (arr. by Helmut Lipsky): La Dolce Vita de La Pietá La Pietá; Angèle Dubeau, conductor
“Silence on Joue, Prise 2/Take 2”
Analekta 2 8743-4
Run time: 58:30
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.
“I come to ferry you hence across the tide
To endless night, fierce fires and shramming cold.” – Dante
Travel across the sea with me as we hear some of the music being created in Europe and Asia. Works by Judith Weir, Chihchun Chi-sun Lee, Consuelo Diez, and Anna Clyne take us around the globe on our next episode.
“Over the Sea”
Judith Weir: Piano Trio Two Fidelio Trio
“The Piano Tuner”
Delphian 34084
Chichchun Chi-sun Lee: Concerto for Flute and 4 Percussionists
Kim S. McCormick, flute; McCormick Percussion Group
“Culture Samples”
Ravello Records 7834
Consuelo Diez: Cartas a la oscuridad (Letters to the Dark)
Mario Prisuelos, piano
“Música Española para Piano”
Verso 2066
Anna Clyne: Night Ferry Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti, conductor
“Riccordo Muti conducts Mason Bates and Anna Clyne”
CSO Resound 9011401
Run time: 59:00
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.
“I’ve known where my heritage is from all along.” – Susana Martinez
This week, works celebrating our American heritage written, performed, and inspired by women. Featuring conductors JoAnn Falletta and Marin Alsop, Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, and the story behind the poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty.
“Celebrating Our Heritage”
Joan Tower: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman I Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Marin Alsop, conductor
“Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman”
Koch International 7469
Antonin Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 – From the New World (Largo)
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Marin Alsop, conductor
“Dvorak: Symphony No. 9”
Naxos 570714
Louis Moreau Gottschalk: The Union (A Concert Paraphrase on National Airs)
Cecile Licad, piano
“Louis Moreau Gottschalk: Piano Music”
Naxos 559145
Aaron Copland: Letter From Home
Buffalo Philharmonic
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
“Copland: Prairie Journal/The Red Pony Suite/Letter From Home”
Naxos 559240
Kenneth Fuchs:An American Place
London Symphony Orchestra
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
“Fuchs: An American Place/Eventide/Out of the Dark”
Naxos 559224
Irving Berlin:Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor
Text by Emma Lazarus
Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The Orchestra at Temple Square
Craig Jessop, conductor
“God Bless America”
Mormon Tabernacle Choir 302
Run time: 59:08
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.
“Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue.” – Plato
It’s another eclectic sampling of music on the fourth Patchwork Quilt show. These are recent works from four composers that have recently arrived in our studios. I’m pleased to share them with you.
“Patchwork Quilt IV”
Unsuk Chin: Rocana Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Kent Nagano, conductor
“Unsuk Chin: Rocana/Violin Concerto”
Analekta 9944
Edie Hill: A True Heart is Waiting
Cantus
“There Lies The Home”
Cantus
Su Lian Tan: Life in Wayang
Jupiter String Quartet
“Revelations”
Arsis
Run time: 59:15
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.
“People are always good company when they are doing what they really enjoy.” – Samuel Butler
On this episode, you’ll hear music from four all-female ensembles who are pushing the envelope when it comes to the idea of presenting classical works. Their music crosses genres, and their live performances bring a fresh perspective to the audience.
“In the Company of Friends”
Jetse Bremer: Shall I compare the to a summer’s day? & Sigh No More, Ladies Wishful Singing “Time Travels”
Wishful Singing Productions
Camille Saint-Saens: Africa, Op. 89
Salut Salon
“Carnival Fantasy”
Warner Music Group
Traditional: Malaika
Salut Salon
“Carnival Fantasy”
Warner Music Group
John Williams, Klaus Doldinger, Kurt Weill: Shark Medley
Salut Salon
“Carnival Fantasy”
Warner Music Group
Anthony Plog: Mosaics
Stiletto Brass Quintet
“Stiletto Brass quintet with Doc Severinsen”
CD Baby
George Gershwin, arr. by Velvet Brown: Summertime Fantasy
Stiletto Brass Quintet
“Stiletto Brass quintet with Doc Severinsen”
CD Baby
Samuel Barber: Adagio for Strings Escala
“Escala”
Sony Classical
Paul & Linda McCartney: Live and Let Die Escala
“Escala”
Sony Classical
Ennio Morricone: Chi Mai Escala
“Escala”
Sony Classical
Run time: 58:43
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.
“Don’t think of yourself as anything but an equal. Break down the doors. It’s only doors.” – Hans Zimmer
Women made up just 3% of the composers working on the top 250 highest-grossing films last year. The struggle to find work in the industry is genuine, and although progress is being made, there is still a long way to go. Here are some of the incredibly talented women being recognized for their achievements in film and theater.
“Stage and Screen”
Mica Levi: The End & End Credits Orchestrate; Ben Foster, conductor “Jackie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
Milan
Miriam Cutler: Main Title & JFK’s Funeral
Studio Orchestra
“Ethel (Music from the HBO Documentary”
Perseverance Records
Lerner & Loewe, orchestrated by Angela Morley: Overture & A Snake In The Grass
Studio Orchestra
“The Little Prince”
Verve
Jessica Curry: Finding the Pattern & Disappearing
Studio Orchestra; London Voices Choir
James Morgan, conductor
“Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture”
Sony Classical
Jeanine Tesori: Viola’s Theme Lincoln Center Theater Orchestra
“Music from the Lincoln Center Theatre Production of Twelfth Night”
Resmiranda Records
Lucy Simon: Race You to the Top of the Morning
Mandy Patinkin, vocals
Original Cast Orchestra
“The Secret Garden (Original Broadway Cast)”
Masterworks Broadway
Cindy Lauper: Raise You Up/Just Be (Finale)
Original Broadway Cast
“Kinky Boots (Original Broadway Cast Recording)”
Masterworks Broadway
Run time: 58:45
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.
“Ninety percent of what a conductor does comes in the rehearsal – the vision, the structure, the architecture.” – Joshua Bell
In 2015, the Dallas Opera launched a twenty-year initiative to promote female representation on the conductor’s podium. On this episode, we hear from three women who are already well established and respected in the conducting world.
“Leading The Way”
Paul McCartney:Tuesday Andrea Quinn, conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
“Working Classical”
Angel/EMI 56897
Astor Piazzolla: Oblivion
Gisele Ben-dor, conductor
Santa Barbara Symphony; Juanjo Mosalini, bandoneon
“The Soul of Tango”
Delos 3345
John Corigliano: Mr. Tambourine Man: Seven Poems of Bob Dylan
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; Hila Plitmann, soprano
“American Classics: John Corigliano”
Naxos 559331
Run time: 59:45
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.
“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.” – Joseph Campbell
Divinity takes many forms, and honoring the sacred in music is an integral part of many spiritual practices. This episode of Feminine Fusion explores a variety of spiritual works from around the world.
“Sacred Music II”
Isabella Leonarda:Vespro a cappella della Beata Vergine Nova Ars Cantandi; Giovanni Accai, conductor; Alberto Sala, organ
“Isabella Leonarda: Vespro a cappella della Beata Vergine”
Tactus 623702
Unknown: Ancient Mother
Orpheus Pagan Chamber Choir; Andrew Ravensong, conductor
Cantus Corpus 6024884
ka’apora: Mother Ulali
“Heartbeat: Voices of First Nations Women”
Smithsonian Folkways
Jennifer Higdon:On the Death of the Righteous
Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia; Alan Harler, conductor
“Metamorphosis”
Innova Records 68062
Run time: 59:28
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.
“Believe in your talents, your abilities, and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path.” – Soledad O’Brien
A June 2016 article in the Minnesota Star Tribune tells us just 2.5% of orchestra musicians are Latino. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, I highlight the achievements of several Hispanic and Latino women in the classical music world.
“Women of Color: Hispanic and Latino Musicians”
Juventino Rosas:Sobre las Olas Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas; Alondra de la Parra, conductor
“Mi Alma Mexicana/My Mexican Soul”
CBS 75555
Maria Grever: Un Beso
Maria Luisa Tamez, mezzo-soprano; Angel Rodriguez, piano
“Canta a Maria Grever y Augustin Lara”
Urtext 227
Manuel de Falla: The Miller’s Dance (from the Three Cornered Hat) Teresa Berganza, mezzo-soprano
Boston Symphony Orchestra; Seiji Ozawa, conductor
“España”
Deutsche Grammaphon 435852
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.
“For you, [music] can and must be only an ornament.” – Abraham Mendelssohn Bartholdy, in a letter to his daughter, Fanny
Despite her incredible talent, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s music was considered a frivolous pasttime rather than a serious endeavor. Even today, long-forgotten manuscripts are being discovered with works either thought to be lost, or attributed to her brother Felix. On this episode of Feminine Fusion you’ll hear her first work, and her last.
“One Life: The Music of Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel”
Six Songs, Opus 1 Lauralyn Kolb, soprano; Arlene Shrut, piano
“Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Lieder”
Centaur 2120
Overture
Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra; JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Koch International 7169
String Quartet
Quatour Ebène
“Mendelssohn, Felix and Fanny”
Erato 4645462
Bergeslust, Op. 10, No. 5 Lauralyn Kolb, soprano; Arlene Shrut, piano
“Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Lieder”
Centaur 2120
Felix Mendelssohn:String Quartet No. 6 (Movement III – Adagio)
Colorado String Quartet
“Schubert & Mendelssohn”
Parnassus 96024
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Is this the face that launched a thousand ships, and burnt the topless towers of Ileum.” – Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus
Women throughout history have inspired art in many forms: paintings, scupltures, plays, and music. This episode of Feminine Fusion focuses on some of the music written to honor women who made their marks in the course of history.
“Historical Women”
Jacques Offenbach:La Belle Hélène (Overture) Berlin Philharmonic; Herbert von Karajan, conductor
“Jacques Offenbach: Overtures”
Deutsche Grammophon 400044
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:Farewell, you native hills and fields (from The Maid of Orleans)
Olga Borodina, mezzo-soprano
Welsh National Opera Orchestra; Carlos Rizzi, conductor
“Olga Borodina: Arias”
Philips 446663
Carlos Franzetti:Peron and Evita (from Corpus Evita)
San Francisco Camerata; José Luis Moscovich, conductor
“Corpus Evita”
Navona Records 6096
Virgil Thomson:Mother of Us All Suite (excerpts) Manhattan School of Music Opera Theater; Steven Osgood, conductor
“The Mother of Us All”
Albany Records
Michael Daugherty:Rosa Parks Boulevard
University of Florida Wind Symphony; David Waybright, conductor
“Stravinsky and Friends”
Mark Records
Run time: 58:59
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.
“Music offers composers an immeasurably rich and generous sonic landscape in which to explore the ‘life story’ of each musical idea.” – Melinda Wagner
Sometimes the music I receive in the studios doesn’t fit neatly into a theme. Sometimes it’s just beautiful music that I can’t wait to share. And so, from time to time, I share this music with you in a patchwork program. I hope you enjoy it.
“Patchwork Quilt III”
Patricia Morehead:Just Before The Rain Dimitris Marinos, mandolin; Elizabeth Stuart, cello; Christie Miller, clarinet
“Brass Rail Blues”
Navona Records 5953
Alicia Terzian:Tres Piezas
Siberian State Symphony Orchestra; Vladimir Lande, conductor
“Off The Edge”
Navona Records 6088
Juli Nunlist:Spells
Vox Futura; Andrew Shenton, conductor; Noel Smith, director
“Spells: The Works of Juli Nunlist”
Navona Records 6096
Melinda Wagner:Wick New York New Music Ensemble; Jeffrey Milarsky, conductor
Bridge Records 9345
Run time: 58:48
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.
“I get my best ideas in a thunderstorm. I have the power and majesty of nature on my side.” – Ralph Steadman
Earth. Air. Fire. Water. From the times of the ancient Greeks, and into the present day, these four elements influence our entire world. Water can nurture, as it does in a gentle spring rain, or destroy in a flood. On this episode, music inspired by water, written or performed by talented women.
“Elemental Music: Water”
Robert Paterson:Moon Trio
Claremont Trio
“Spheres”
American Modern Recordings
Judith Lang Zaimont:Pure, Cool (Water)
Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra; Niels Muus, conductor
“Judith Lang Zaimont”
Sorel Classics
Stacy Garrop:Thunderwalker
CCPA Chamber Orchestra; Markand Thakar, conductor
“Mythology Symphony: Orchestral Works by Stacy Garrop”
Cedille Records
Run time: 58:19
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.
“The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play.” – Richard Strauss
There are times in music that a woman’s voice must deliver the soul and beauty of a work. On this episode, compositions by men that are brought to life by a woman. It may be delivered by a fictional character, or written by a poet, but each work is beautiful in its own right.
“Men’s Songs, Women’s Voices”
George Gershwin:My Man’s Gone Now
Audra MacDonald, soprano
San Francisco Symphony; Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor
“George Gershwin: The 100th Birthday Celebration”
Sony Classical
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen
Roberta Peters, soprano
Berline Philharmonic; Karl Böhm, conductor
“The 50 Greatest Opera Pieces”
U-5 Recordings
Franz Schubert:Heiss mich nicht redden
Benita Valente, soprano; Cynthia Raim, piano
“Benita Valente, Volume 2”
Bridge Records
Franz Schubert:So lässt mich scheinen
Elisabeth Schumann, soprano; Gerald Moore, piano
“Elisabeth Schumann sings Schubert & R. Strauss Lieder:
EMI Records
Franz Schubert:Nur wer die Sehnsucht Kent
Dawn Upshaw, soprano; Richard Goode, piano
“Goethe Lieder”
Nonesuch
Erich Korngold:Unvergänglichkeit
Georgine Resnick, soprano; Warren Jones, piano
“Men’s Songs, Women’s Voices”
Bridge Records
Aaron Copland:12 Poems of Emily Dickinson (selections)
Marni Nixon, soprano
Pacific Symphony Orchestra; Keith Clark, conductor
Copland: Appalachian Spring Suite”
Reference Recordings
George Gershwin:My Man’s Gone Now
Nina Simone
“Nina Simone Sings the Blues”
RCA
Run time: 58:30
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.
“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” – Arthur O’Chaughnessy
On this week’s episode, a trio of trios! There is something unique about the give and take among a small ensemble, and with just three performers, each plays a crucial part supporting the musical work. The women you’ll meet bring their individual talents, along with their passion for these works, to create exciting and memorial performances.
“Three by Three”
Giuseppe Maria Cambini:Trio Concertant in A Major, Op. 33, No. 1
The Vivaldi Project
“Discovering the Classical String Trio”
MSR Classics 1621
Josef Suk:Elegie
Trio 180
“Trio 180”
North Pacific Music 039
Ludwig van Beethoven:Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 1, No. 1
The Claremont Trio
“Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Op. 56, Trio, Op. 1, No. 1”
Bridge Records 9395
Run time: 58:30
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.
“The essential conditions of everything you do must be choice, love, passion” – Nadia Boulanger
Nadia Boulanger taught literally hundreds of students. Her influence continues to reach into even the most recent works and concerts in today’s classical music arena. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we’ll highlight some of Boulanger’s students who concentrated on performance, rather than composition. This is Nadia Boulanger: An Influential Woman.
Georges Enesco:Piano Sonata No. 3 for Two Pianos
Nadia Boulanger & Dinu Lipatti, pianos
Angel/EMI 67567
Franz Schubert:Impromptu No. 2 in A-flat Major, D. 935
Carol Rosenberger, piano
“Such Stuff as Dreams: A Lullaby Album for Children and Adults”
Delos 3230
Anonymous:Niña y Viña
Judith Malafronte, mezzo-soprano; The Newberry Consort
“Cornago: Missa de la mapa mundi”
Harmonia Mundi 907083
Francesco Landini:Dolcie signiore
Judith Malafronte, mezzo-soprano; The Newberry Consort
“Cornago: Missa de la mapa mundi”
Harmonia Mundi 907083
Ernest Chausson: Poème for Violin & Orchestra
Ginette Neveu, violin
Philharmonia Orchestra; Issay Dobrowen, conductor
Cedar Records 320
Run time: 58:44
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.
“I’ve always loved the experience of working together with other people toward an artistic goal.” – Trey Anastasio
This week, it’s a special live edition of Feminine Fusion. Join host Diane Jones as she brings you music from six talented American composers, including two Pulitzer Prize winners. This is also your opportunity to show your support of Classic FM and programs like this, by becoming a member. Stand up and be counted!
“American Women”
Shulamit Ran:For an Actor: Monologue for Clarinet
Laura Flax, clarinet
“Music by Shulamit Ran”
Bridge 9052
Mary Mageau:An Early Autumn’s Dreaming
Polish Radio & TV Symphony Orchestra of Krakow; Szymon Kawalla conducting
“I Am An American Woman”
Vienna Modern Masters 3029
Judith Shatin:To Keep the Dark Away (selections)
Gayle Martin, piano
“To Keep the Dark Away”
Ravello 7937
Maria Newman: String Quartet No. 2: Lauds (selections)
Malibu Coast String Quartet
“Maria Newman: Music for String Quartet Book I”
Arts House 1205208
Jennifer Higdon:Blue Cathedral
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Robert Spano conducting
“Rainbow Body”
Telarc 80596
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.
The idea of women making strides in a male-dominated role is not new. On this episode, I’ll introduce you to some talented women from the Renaissance and Baroque eras who succeeded in getting their music heard – even if you never knew their names. You’ll hear the music of Renaissance composer Maddalena Casulana, the first woman to have her music printed and published, and “Mrs. Philarmonica,” an English Baroque composer whose name is still a mystery.
“Looking Back”
Maddalena Casulana:Second Book of Mardrigals for Four Voices
Anna Mengel, soprano; Lena Kutzner, mezzo-soprano; Madchenchor Hanover, cond. Gudrun Schrofel
“verklingend und ewig”
Rondeau Production
Lucrezia Orsina Vizzana:Componimenti musicali de motetti concertati (selections)
Musica Secreta
“Lucrezia Vizzana: Songs of Ecstasy & Devotion”
Linn
Lady Mary Dering:When first I saw fair Dorris’ eyes
Andrea Folan, soprano; Elizabethan Conversation
“The Medieval Lady”
Leonarda Productions
Bianca Maria MJeda:Cari Musici
The Ars Femina Ensemble
“Non Tacete!”
Nannerl Recordings
Mrs Philarmonica: Sonata Quarta for violins & continuo
The Ars Femina Ensemble
“Non Tacete!”
Nannerl Recordings
Run time: 58:30
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.
“The evening sings in a voice of amber, the dawn is surely coming.” – Al Stewart
There is something special about women’s voices coming together and creating music. Whether it is a group of women circled around singing simple melodies, or a professional choir performing complex rhythms and harmonies, their combined voices and spirits turn into something nearly magical. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we’ll hear from women’s choruses around the world.
“Voices Raised”
Traditional:Invitatory Surrexit Dominus
Benedictine Nuns of Notre Dame
“Voices: Chant from Avignon”
Decca Records
Liisa Matevinen:Lemmen Nosto (Evoking Love)
Philomela Female Choir
“Mieli”
Alba
Tella Turkka:Minne kauneus katosi (Where did the beauty disappear?)
Philomela Female Choir
“Mieli”
Alba
Peteris Vasks:The Tomtit’s Message
Dzintars: The Latvian Women’s Choir
“Songs of Amber”
Rykodisc
Traditional:The Little Cuckoo Bird
Vesnivka Choir
“Vesnivka Choir”
Vesnivka.com
Marijan Lipovsek: Kresnice
Carmina Slovenica
“Citira”
Catapult
(uncredited) Blackbird
Carmina Slovenica
“Citira”
Catapult
Pete Sutherland: Fiddler’s Hymn
Anna Crusis Women’s Choir
“…but we fight for roses too”
Anna Crusis Women’s Choir
Charlie Murphy: Burning Times
Anna Crusis Women’s Choir
“…but we fight for roses too”
Anna Crusis Women’s Choir
Run time: 58:47
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.
“Everybody told me this ‘girl on the piano thing’ was never going to work.” – Tori Amos
The piano was almost a requisite addition to any home during the Romantic era, and it was expected that the young women of the household have some real proficiency at the keyboard. On the next Feminine Fusion, we’ll hear performances from some of the best pianists in the world today, with works familiar and new.
“At the Keyboard”
Enrique Granados:Bocetos
Alicia de Laroccha, piano
“Granados”
RCA 63368
Franz Schubert:Impromptu No. 1, Op. 142 Maria João Pires
“Le Voyage Magnifique” Deutsche Grammophon 457550
Isaac Albeniz:Almeria, from Iberia, Book 2 Hélène Grimaud, piano
“Water”
Deutsche Grammophon
Wolfgang Mozart:Piano Concerto No. 21, “Elvira Madigan”
Mitsuko Uchida, piano
English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate – conductor
“Mozart: Piano Concertos”
Philips 4757306
David Del Tredici:Ode to Music
Beth Levin, piano
“Bright Circle”
Navona 6074
JS Bach: Two-partInvention No. 4 in d minor, BWV 775
Simone Dinnerstein, piano
“Bach: Inventions and Sinfonias, BWV 772-801”
Sony 795972
Run time: 58:55
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.
“Much like a patchwork quilt, inspiration that stirs and motivates me is made of many things.” – Robert Reynolds
Every now and then it’s fun to put together a program of random works. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve received a number of wonderful CDs, and now is a great opportunity to share some of them with you. Solos, chamber works, and even a recording from a 1940 concert at the Library of Congress – all part of the next Feminine Fusion.
“Patchwork Quilt II”
Ruth Lomon:Shadowing
Eileen Hutchins, piano; Katherine Winterstein, violin; Scott Woolweaver, viola; Patrick Owens, cello
“Shadowing”
Navona 6080
Francesco di Fiore:Miniature (2011) Erika Tazawa
“Rhythm of Silence” Belarca 005
Franz Schubert:Ave Maria
Dorothy Maynor, soprano; Arpad Sandor, piano
“Great Performances from the Library of Congress, Vol. 24”
Bridge 9233
Belinda Reynolds:Share
Tara Helen O’Connor, alto flute; Margaret Kampmeier, piano
“The Way Things Go”
Bridge 9467
Jennifer Higdon:An Exaltation of Larks
The Lark Quartet
“An Exaltation of Larks”
Bridge 9379
Ursula Mamlok: Molto Vivo
Holger Groschopp, piano
“Ursula Mamlok, Volume 5”
Bridge 9457
Run time: 58:45
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.
“Speak softly, and carry a big stick.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This episode of Feminine Fusion features women who carry sticks . . . and mallets . . . and beaters! These are the women making their marks as percussionists. In some cultures, women are still forbidden to play drums. Even in societies where there is no stigma, percussion is still often viewed as a male-oriented field. These women prove the only thing that matters is talent and skill.
“Marching to a Different Drum”
Daniela Mercury:Bale Popular
Daniela Mercury
“Bale Mulato”
EMI
Astor Piazzolla: Tango Suite Nancy Zeltsman, marimba
“Woodcuts” GM Records 2043
Ney Rousauro:Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra
Evelyn Glennie, marimba
Scottish Chamber Orchestra; Paul Daniel, conductor
“Rebounds”
RCA 61277
Akira Nishimura:Kala
Keiko Abe, marimba
Kroumata
“Japanese Percussion”
BIS 462
Michael Aukofer:Neophilia
Caixa Trio
Steve Houghton, drumset
“Commissioned Works”
CD Baby
Run time: 58:30
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.
“Do not worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” – Abraham Lincoln
Sunday marks the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, music from American composers marks that occasion. We’ll hear the Lark Quartet with one of only two string quartets written by Aaron Copland; Katharine Hepburn narrates Copland’s “A Lincoln Portrait;” and Marin Alsop conducts “Gettysburg,” the Symphony No. 6 of Roy Harris. Be sure to tune in!
“Composing America”
Aaron Copland:Two Pieces for String Quartet
The Lark Quartet
“Composing America”
Bridge 9423
Aaron Copland:A Lincoln Portrait Katharine Hepburn, narrator
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra; Erich Kunzel, conductor
“Aaron Copland” Telarc 80117
Roy Harris:Symphony No. 6, “Gettysburg”
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; Marin Alsop, conducting
“Roy Harris: Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6”
Naxos 559609
Run time: 58:30
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.
The sheng, a Chinese mouth-blown “organ” of sorts, originated over 3,000 years ago.
“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” – Confucius, Book of Rites
On this episode, we look East, to the women of Asia who are making news in the classical music world. You’ll hear about Zheng Xiaoying, China’s first female conductor, Tran Kim Ngoc, a Vietnamese composer and performer, South Korean composer Unsuk Chin, and a name you probably already know – violinist Midori. You’ll hear music that is familiar, as well as a blend of music from East and West. Be sure to tune in to this week’s edition of Feminine Fusion!
“Looking East”
Huang Anlun:Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 25b, Mvt. II
Joseph Banowetz, piano
China National Opera House Symphony Orchestra; Zheng Xiaoying, cond.
“Piano Concerto in G Minor”
Marco Polo 225830
Unsuk Chin:Su, for sheng and orchestra Wu Wei, sheng
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra; Myung-Whun Chung, cond.
“Unsuk Chin: 3 Concertos” Deutsche Grammophon 4810971
Beethoven:Violin Sonata No. 8, Op. 30, No. 3
Midori, violin; Robert McDonald, piano
“Midori Live at Carnegie Hall”
Sony Classical 46742
If you’d like to listen to some of Tran Kim Ngoc‘s music, there are streaming audio and video samples available on her website: kimngoc.weebly.com
Run time: 58:46
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.
“While it’s great when glass ceilings are broken, when it comes down to it, it’s going to be about us and the music we make, and the kind of integrity we have as players.” – Astrid Schween
Women continue to make inroads into the world of classical music. Yet women of color still make up a small percentage of working classical musicians. Today you’ll meet six women who have either made a significant impact, or are poised to do so. From Marian Anderson’s historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, to the first woman and African American to join the 70-year old Juillard String Quartet, you’ll hear wonderful music from these remarkable women.
“Women of Color – Perfomers”
Traditional:America
Marian Anderson, contralto; Kosti Vehanen, piano
“Marian Anderson: Let Freedom Ring!”
JSP Records 683
Franz Schubert:Ave Maria Marian Anderson, contralto; Kosti Vehanen, piano “Marian Anderson: Let Freedom Ring!” JSP Records 683
Giacomo Puccini:Vissi d’arte (from Tosca)
Leontyne Price, soprano: Members of New York’s Leading Orchestra, James Levine conducting
Deutsche Gramaphon 427386
Johannes Brahms:Geistliches Wiegenlied Jessye Norman, soprano; Sir Daniel Barenboim, piano; Wolfram Christ, viola
Philips 432731
Jessie Montgomery: Rhapsody No. 1 for Solo Violin Jessie Montgomery, violin
“Strum”
Azica Records
Gordon Green:Rhapsody for Cello and Electronics (excerpts) Astrid Schween, cello; Gordon Green, electronics
“Rhapsody”
JRI Recordings J142
Shulamit Ran: Mirage
Mid-Atlantic Chamber Players (Adrienne Harding, flutes; Christopher Nichols, clarinet; Eliezer Gutman, violin; Susan Lerner, cello; Julie Nishimura, piano)
Live Performance – used with permission
Run time: 58:41
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.
“Where words fail, music speaks” – Hans Christian Andersen
What does an orchestra do when it wants to commemorate a milestone? They commission a new work, of course! On this episode, two works, commissioned by two of the top orchestras in the United States, from two renowned female composers.
“Event-full”
Kaija Saariaho:Oltra Mar, 7 Preludes for the New Millenium
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra; Tapiola Chamber Choir; Jukka-Pekka Saraste, conductor
“Cenq reflets de L’amour de loin; Nymphea Reflection; Oltra mar”
Ondine 10492
Jennifer Higdon:Concerto for Orchestra
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Robert Spano, conductor
“City Scape/Concerto for Orchestra”
Telarc 80620
Run time: 58:44
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.
Carol J. Oja William Powell Mason Professor of Music; Chair of the Department of Historical Musicology
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
Musicology – the study of music. A simple definition for a vast subject. Whether approaching it as performance practice, cultural musicology, or any other of a myriad of avenues, the four women we’ll meet in this episode are definitely making their mark.
“Songcatchers”
Josquin des Pres:Ave Maria, gratia plena
The Hilliard Ensemble
“Codex Specialnik”
ECM New Series 1504
Byttering:En Katerine solennia
Pomerium; Alexander Blachly, conductor
“Musical Book of Hours”
DG Archiv 4575862
Ludwig van Beethoven:Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Opus 125 (Mvt. I)
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra; Leonard Bernstein, conductor
“Beethoven: Symphony No. 9”
D. Grammophon 423481
Irving Berlin:Steppin’ Out With My Baby (arr. by Jay Krush)
Chestnut Brass Company
“Distant Dancing”
Chestnut Brass Records
Cole Porter:Begin the Beguine (arr. by Billy May)
Boston Pops Orchestra; John Williams, conductor
“Pops Stoppers”
Phillips 446520
Leonard Bernstein:On The Town: Three Dance Episodes
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra; Leonard Bernstein, conductor
“Bernstein’s America”
D. Grammophon 463465
Colin McPhee:Balinese Ceremonial Music
Stephen Drury & Yukiko Takagi, pianos
“With All My Soul”
The Orchard
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.
“Music is a way “Music is a way to dream together and go to another dimension.” – Cecilia Bartoli
It takes a particular skill to marry words and music. This episode of Feminine Fusion highlights five women, composing opera and art songs, spanning the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Fairy tales, historical figures, and love from afar – all on the next Feminine Fusion.
“Words and Music”
Pauline Viardot-Garcia:Excerpts from “Cendrillon”
Sandrine Piau, soprano (Cendrillon); Elizabeth Vidal, mezzo-soprano (Fairy Godmother);
Geoffrey Mitchell Choir; Nicholas Kok, conductor and pianist
“Il Salotto, Vol. 3: Cendrillon”
Opera Rara
Thea Musgrave:Excerpts from “Mary, Queen of Scots”
Ashley Putnam, soprano (Mary);
Virginia Opera Association; Peter Mark, conductor
“Mary, Queen of Scots”
Novello Records
Kaija Saariaho:Excerpts from “L’amour de Loin”
Berlin Symphony Orchestra; Kent Nagano, conductor
“L’amour de Loin”
Harmonia Mundi
Vitezslava Kapralova:Navzdy
Daniel Weeks, tenor; Naomi Oliphant, piano
“Women of Firsts”
Centaur Records
Amy Cheney Beach:Villanelle
Patrick Mason, baritone; Joanne Polk, piano
“Songs of Amy Beach”
Bridge Recordings
Amy Cheney Beach:I Shall Be Brave
Patrick Mason, baritone; Joanne Polk, piano
“Songs of Amy Beach”
Bridge Recordings
Pauline Viardot-Garcia:Auf Grusien’s Hugeln (Of Grusein’s Hills)
Eileen Strempel, soprano; Sylvia Beaudette, piano
“With All My Soul”
The Orchard
Pauline Viardot-Garcia:Die Beschworung (Incantation)
Eileen Strempel, soprano; Sylvia Beaudette, piano
“With All My Soul”
The Orchard
Run time: 58:31
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.
“Music is that universal language which unifies the spirits of mankind.” – Paul Horn
Every time technology advances, it brings us closer to becoming a truly global community. The internet allows us to connect with individuals and cultures around the world, and learn about customs, languages … and music. This episode of Feminine Fusion travels to four countries to hear works composed or performed by some marvelously talented women.
“A World United”
Elfrida Andree: Romance Karin Hendel, violin; Ewa Warykiewicz, piano
“Violin Sonatas by Women Composers”
Zuk Records 324
Sadie Harrison:The Light Garden The Tate Ensemble
“The Light Garden Trilogy”
Metier 92084
Clare Loveday:Eight Plus One
Ensemble Reconsil
“Exploring the World”
Orlando Records 28062
Francisco Mignone:Fantasias Brasileiras Nos. 1 & 2
Alexandra Mascolo-David, piano
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Raymond Harvey, cond.
“Fantasias Brasileiras”
White Pine Music 223
Run time: 58:45
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.
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning” – Maya Angelou
On this holiday edition of Feminine Fusion, music from four all-female vocal ensembles. From Medieval music to modern works, from Scotland to Vermont to San Francisco, we span the centuries and the globe with music of the Christmas season.
“Christmas Special”
Benjamin Britten: Ceremony of Carols Les Sirenes, Andrew Nunn, director
Pippa Tunnell, harp
“There Is No Rose”
Nimbus Alliance
Anonymous:Ave Maria Anonymous 4
“On Yoolis Night”
Harmonia Mundi
Larysa Kuzmenko:Gloria
Bella Voce Women’s Chorus of Vermont
“Tapestry of Song”
CD Baby
Conrad Susa:Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest
Musae
Allen Biggs, marimba & vibraphone; Paul Binkley, guitar; Anna Maria Mendieta, harp
“Alegria y Placer: A Musae Christmas”
CD Baby
Run time: 58:43
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.
“The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.” Emile Zola
On this episode of Feminine Fusion, four talented composers whose names you may not know – yet. Hear music by Lera Auerbach, Charlotte Bray, Dobrinka Tabakova, and Anna Clyne, four women who are certainly making their mark in the contemporary classical music world.
“Up and Comers”
Lera Auerbach: Fragile Solitudes Pro Musica
“Triumvirate”
Summit
Charlotte Bray:Passing Shadows Antonis Hatzinikolaou, guitar
“Music of Memory: Seven British Composers write for the guitar”
NMC Recordings
Dobrinka Tabakova:Concerto for Cello and Strings
Kristina Blaumane, cello
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Maxim Rysanov, cond.
“String Paths”
ECM Records
Anna Clyne:October Rose
Cornelius Dufallo, violin
“The Violin”
Via Records
Run time: 58:45
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.
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” – Pablo Casals
There is something special about chamber music. The performers are intricately connected, and they brings a soulfulness and intimacy to the music that is unique. This week on Feminine Fusion, we feature performances from all-female chamber ensembles.
“A Few Of Us”
Julia Wolfe: Four Marys The Cassatt Quartet
“Cassatt”
CRI 671
Anonymous:Nowell: Owt of your slepe aryse Anonymous 4
“On Yoolis Night”
Harmonia Mundi 907099
Vincent Persichetti:Pastorale
Sapphire Woodwind Quintet
Live Concert, 2001 Dame Myra Hess Concert Series
Gyorgy Ligeti:Bagatelle #1 from Six Bagatelles for Wind Quintet
Arabesque Winds
“Mosaic”
Antonin Dvorak:Piano Trio No. 4 in d minor, Op. 90 Trio 180
“Trio 180”
North Pacific Music 039
Run time: 58:20
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.
“You have to remain flexible, and you must be your own critic at all times.” – Hans Zimmer
The film industry has been – and, for the most part, continues to be – dominated by men. But women are definitely making inroads, and on this episode of Feminine Fusion, we’ll hear music from some of the women composing scores for both film and television. You may not know their names – yet – but you’ll know their music!
“Screen Queens”
Rachel Portman:Selections from “The Cider House Rules” Studio Orchestra
“The Cider House Rules: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” Sony Classical
Debbie Wiseman:Tom and Viv Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
“Something Here – The Film & Television Music of Debbie Wiseman”
Silva
Debbie Wiseman:Wilde Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
“Something Here – The Film & Television Music of Debbie Wiseman”
Silva
Debbie Wiseman:Wild West Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
“Something Here – The Film & Television Music of Debbie Wiseman”
Silva
Deborah Lurie:Canoeing; Kiss Goodnight; Alex and Katie Studio Orchestra
“Safe Haven: Original Motion Picture Score
Lisa Gerrard:The Wheat; Now We Are Free
The Lyndhurst Orchestra, Gavin Greenaway, cond.
“Music from the Motion Picture Gladiator”
Decca
Wendy Carlos:Creation of Tron; Tron Scherzo; Miracle and Magician; Theme from Tron; Ending Titles
London Philharmonic Orchestra/Wendy Carlos
“Tron: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”
CBS
Vivian Kubrick (as Abigail Mead): Full Metal Jacket; Parris Island
Studio Orchestra
“Full Metal Jacket: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”
Warner Bros.
Run time: 58:37
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.
Johann Sebastian Bach & his second wife, Anna Magdalena Bach
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire
One doesn’t need to be a musician to be inspirational. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we hear from composers who looked to the women in their lives for inspiration, and dedicated works to them. It’s music from Bach and Beethoven, to Locklair and Beeler.
“Dedicated To”
Johann Sebastian Bach: Keyboard Partita in a minor, BWV 827
Glenn Gould, piano
“The Glenn Gould Edition – Bach: Partitas, Preludes & Fugues”
Sony 42402
Dan Locklair: The Breakers Pound
Elaine Funaro, harpsichord
“Into the Millennium”
Gasparo GSCD-331
Ludwig van Beethoven:Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101
Luisa Guembes-Buchanan, piano
“Late Beethoven: Commentary and Peformance”
DelAguila 55306
Alan Beeler:The Sutton Songs (selected)
Aliana de la Guardia, soprano; Karolina Rojahn, piano
“The Vocal Music of Alan Beeler”
Navona Records 6049
Run time: 58:46
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.
“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” – Elton John.
On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we cross the pond to visit the United Kingdom to hear from some of the talented women in the British classical music world. Whether they compose, perform, or conduct, each of them has roots that run deep into the soil of the British Isles.
“Rule Brittania”
Rebecca Clarke: Dumka for Violin, Viola & Piano
Jay Zhong, violin; Kenneth Martinson, viola; Andrea Molina, piano
“Rebecca Clarke: String Chamber Music”
Centaur CRC2847
Jennifer Margaret Barker: Na Tri Peathraichen
Laura Baefsky, flute; Jennifer Margaret Barker, piano
“Geenyoch”
Meyer Media MMV01001
John Adams:Chamber Symphony
Ensemble Modern, Sian Edwards, conductor
“Music of John Adams”
RCA 68674
Anna Meredith:Blackfriars
Oliver Coates, cello; Anna Meredith, electronics
“Varmints”
Moshi Moshi Music
Robert Schumann:Symphonic Etude No. 12, Op. 13
Dame Myra Hess, piano
“Myra Hess: Great Pianists of the 20th Century, Vol. 45”
Phillips 456832
Run time: 58:45
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.
“The songs of our ancestors are also the songs of our children” – Philip Carr-Gomm
It is the women of the past who laid the foundations upon which we build today. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we’ll look at women like Hildegard von Bingen, Francesca Caccini, and Barbara Strozzi, who laid the groundwork for today’s composers and performers to succeed. Some works are pious, some secular – you’ll hear a wide range on this week’s episode.
“Women Of Old”
Sappho: The Bridal Day
Petros Tabouris, Aulites Ensemble
“Secular Music of Greek Antiquity, Vol. 1”
FM Records
Hildegard of Bingen:O, Ecclesia
Anonymous 4
“11,000 Virgins”
Harmonia Mundi 907200
Blanche of Castile:Amours, u trop tart me sui pris
Andrea Folan – soprano; Elizabethan Conversation
“The Medieval Lady”
Leonarda 340
Maroie de Dregnau de Lille:Mout m’abelist quant je voi revenir
Andrea Folan – soprano; Elizabethan Conversation
“The Medieval Lady”
Leonarda 340
Francesca Caccini:Dov’ io credea, from La liberazione di Ruggiero
Ingrid Matthews, violin; Byron Schenkman, harpsichord
“Canzoni da Sonar: Early Italian Violin Music on Vocal Models”
Centaur 2529
Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre:Cantata No. 4, “Jonas”
Judith Nelson – soprano
Bay Area Women’s Philharmonic; JoAnn Falletta, cond.
“Baroquen Treasures”
Newport 60102
Run time: 58:32
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.
Camerata Romeu, with conductor & founder, Zenaida Romeu
“I will never accept defeat. I will continue to play music. I do not feel safe, but when people see me and say, ‘That is Negin Khpalwak’, that gives me energy.” – Negin Khpalwak
Zenaida Romeu founded Camerata Romeu 23 years ago, with the desire to show the parity between men and women in her native Cuba. She believes that women and men approach music differently. With women, she says, “it’s more angelic, more comfortable.” The ensemble hasn’t visited the United States in more than 15 years, but their hope is to return again soon.
Halfway across the globe, 19-year-old Negin Khpalwak approached her school administrators with a request to form an orchestra. In a culture where most music is frowned upon, she and the members of her orchestra very literally take their lives into their own hands at each performance.
Yet both of these ensembles share a common goal – to highlight the music and instruments of their respective cultural heritage, alongside familiar Western classical works. Host Diane Jones will share their stories and music with you on this episode of Feminine Fusion.
“All Of Us Together”
Calixto Alvarez: Pregoneros and Invitacion al son Jorge L. Martin: Medico de Pianos Eduardo Gamboa: Canambu Oscar Ildez/Zenaida Romeu: Rosa Roja Moises Simons/Roberto Valera:Manisero Ernesto Lecuona/Roberto Valera: Danza Lucumi and A la Antigua Cervantes/Zenaida Romeu: Improvisada and Cortesana Armando Romeu/Roberto Valera: Cuba Mia Luis Cardenas/Zenaida Romeu:He Perdido Contigo R. Prats/Zenaida Romeu: Jugando Contigo Erman L. Nussa/Roberto Valera:Momo Camerata Romeu
Zenaida Romeu, cond.
“Cuba Mia” (Soundtrack)
Arkadia Records 873002
Sadie Harrison:Gulistan-e Nur: The Rosegarden of Light (Interludes) Ensemble Zohra
“The Rosegarden of Light”
Toccata Classics
Run time: 58:44
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.
“Much like a patchwork quilt, inspiration that stirs and motivates me is made of many things.” – Robert Reynolds
The quilter’s stash is never-ending. Snips and pieces leftover from other projects, swatches they bought or traded because they simply had to have it. Often these bits and scraps make their way into a patchwork quilt.
On this episode of Feminine Fusion, you’ll hear a patchwork quilt of music. These are some works that didn’t quite fit into recent programs, but are worthy of sharing all the same. Host Diane Jones is your guide.
“Patchwork Quilt I”
Emma Lou Diemer: Peace Georgia Women’s College Ensemble
Jennifer Morgan Flory, cond.
Live recording of World Premiere
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel:Trio for Piano, Violin & Cello in d minor, Op. 11 The Macalester Trio
“Chamber Works by Women Composers”
VoxBox 5029
Paula Diehl: In Hand Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra
Petr Vronsky, cond.
“Separation”
Navona Records 6044
J.S. Bach:Chaconne from Partita in d minor The Eroica Trio
“Baroque”
EMI Classics 556873
Run time: 58:30
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.
“[Scheherazade] possessed courage, wit, and penetration. She had read much, and had so admirable a memory, that she never forgot anything she had read. She had successfully applied herself to philosophy, medicine, history, and the liberal arts; and her poetry excelled the compositions of the best writers of her time.” – The Arabian Nights: The Frame Story
Composer John Adams thought he knew the story of the “Arabian Nights.” But his view changed dramatically in 2013, when he visited an exhibition in Paris about the history of this work. He began to consider the question, “What would a Scheherazade for our own time be like?” His answer: Scheherazade.2. Written for violinist Leila Josefowicz, whom Adams described as “the embodiment of his heroine as a fearless and empowered artist,” host Diane Jones brings you the complete work on this episode of Feminine Fusion.
“Women Inspiring Men”
John Adams: Scheherazade.2
Leila Josefowicz, violin
St. Louis Symphony, David Robertson, cond.
“Scheherazade.2”
Nonesuch 7559794351
Michael Nyman: Tango for Tim Elaine Funaro, harpsichord
“Overture to Orpheus: Music Written for the Women Who Gave Wing to the Muse”
Centaur CRC 2517
Run time: 58:36
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.
Edna Phillips, harp, Philadelphia Orchestra. (Published in the Inquirer 1941. PHOTO: R. T. Doone)
“Women artists need to break barriers in order for women’s experience to be valuable.” – Liz Phair
For centuries, orchestras have been dominated by men. It was remarkable when Leopold Stokowski appointed Edna Phillips to the position of Principal Harp in 1930. Just fifty years later, members of the Berlin Philharmonic threatened to strike if a female clarinetist was hired. Women auditioning on traditionally “male” oriented instruments – think tuba or trombone – were dismissed as not having the physical stamina to play in an orchestra. And yet, with the advent of blind auditions, the number of women hired by orchestras has increased significantly. This episode of Feminine Fusion takes a look at just a few of these women joining the ranks of the orchestra, becoming “Part Of The Crowd.”
“Part Of The Crowd”
Paul White: Sea Chanty
Edna Phillips, harp;
The Philadelphia Orchestra Strings, Eugene Ormandy, cond.
“Sea Chanty”
American Columbia, matrices XCO 35084 through 35087 (78 rpm)
Michael Daugherty: Reflections on the Mississippi for Tuba & Orchestra
Carol Jantsch, tuba;
Temple University Symphony Orchestra, Luis Biava, cond.
BCM&D Records
Berthold Goldschmidt: Clarinet Concerto
Sabine Meyer, clarinet;
Berlin Comic Opera Symphony Orchestra, Yakov Kreizberg, cond.
London (Decca) 455586
Run time: 58:34
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.
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
Inspiration comes in many forms and from many directions. On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we’ll look at Women Inspiring Women. Violinist Rachel Barton Pine found inspiration in the life and work of Maud Powell, who made over 100 recordings for the Celebrity Artist Series of the Victor Talking Machine Company, between 1904 and 1919. The members of the Cassatt String Quartet chose to name themselves after artist Mary Cassatt, who personified the “New Woman” of the 19th century – educated, knowledgeable, and socially active. And composer Penka Kouneva, who composed a modern tone poem “The Woman Astronaut” to honor the increase of women in the space program. (In 2013, NASA hired 8 new astronauts – 4 men, and 4 women.)
(Here is the link to Rachel Barton Pine’s article about her inspiration from Maud Powell in the January 2014 issue of Strad Magazine.)
“Women Inspiring Women”
Jules Massenet: Meditation (from Thais)
Maud Powell, violin; George Falkenstein, piano
“Powell: The Complete Recordings (1904-1917)”
Naxos 8.110993
Amy Cheney Beach: Romance for Violin & Piano (1893)
Rachel Barton Pine, violin; Mattheew Hagle, piano
“American Virtuosa: Tribute to Maud Powell”
Cedille 97
Daniel S. Godfrey: Intermedio
The Cassatt String Quartet
“Cassatt”
CRI 671
Penka Kouneva: The Woman Astronaut
The Hollywood Studio Symphony, Eimear Noone, conductor
“The Woman Astronaut”
Varese Sarabande 302 067 349 8
Run time: 58:33
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.
Pamela Z in her San Francisco Studio wearing a SensorPlay controller. photo credit: Goran Vejvoda
“Gifted women musicians and composers rarely received their due. ” – James Cook
Recognition for women’s achievements in the music composition arena has definitely improved, though it still has a long way to go. Women of color have the dual obstacles of both gender and racial bias to address. This week on Feminine Fusion, we concentrate on the music of African American women composers, from Florence Price to Pamela Z. Learn about these remarkable women who have given their all to their music.
(Here is the link to Jordannah Elizabeth’s article, mentioned in the program)
“Women of Color (Composers)”
Nora Holt:Negro Dance
Helen Walker-Hill, piano
“Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women”
Leonarda 339
Florence Price:Symphony in E Minor
New Black Music Repertory Ensemble, Leslie B. Dunner, cond.
“Florence B. Price: Concerto in One Movement/Symphony in E Minor”
Albany 1295
Julia Perry:Short Piece for Orchestra
Imperial Philharmonic of Tokoyo, William Strickland, cond.
“Music of Talma, Fine, Perry, Daniels & Howe”
New World CRI
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.
“Myth credits every American town with two things: a 10-cent store and a Boulanger student.” – Ned Rorem
With a career spanning 70 years, Nadia Boulanger taught theory, composition, and ear training to more than 600 students. In this special Live edition of Feminine Fusion, you’ll hear music from composers as diverse as Aaron Copland, Peggy Glanville-Hicks, Astor Piazzolla, and more.
This is also your opportunity to show your support for Classic FM by making your pledge. And to those who have already become members, thank you!
“Nadia Boulanger, Part 1”
Aaron Copland: Symphony for Organ & Orchestra (1924)
Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Litton – conductor
“A Copland Profile”
Delos 3221
Elliott Carter: Tarantella (1936)
SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed – director
“Elliott Carter: Choral Works”
SWR Music
Peggy Glanville-Hicks: Concertino de camera
Tall Poppies Ensemble
“Red Earth”
Tall Poppies
Astor Piazzolla: Lo que vendra
Razumovsky Orchestra, Peter Breiner – conductor
Sefika Kutluer, flute
“Tango Goes Symphony”
Naxos 557004
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.
“You’re either born a musician, or you’re born not a musician. It has nothing to do with gender.” – Antonia Brico
Conducting is still a male-dominated stronghold in the musical world. Even in the last few years, prominent conductors insist that woman conductors are not capable of conducting anything other than “feminine” works, like Debussy or Ravel. And that the rigors of conducting are too hard for women, claiming it is “an issue of biology.” On this episode of Feminine Fusion, three remarkable women take the podium and show just what they are capable of achieving.
Libby Larsen: Marima Concerto After Hampton
Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop – conductor
John Kinzie, marimba
“Libby Larsen: Deep Summer Music, Solo Symphony, Marimba Concerto After Hampton”
Koch International
Mozart: Overture to Don Giovanni, K. 527
Overture to Magic Flute, K. 620
Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, Antonia Brico – conductor
“Essential Classics: Mozart Overtures”
Sony Classical
Huang Anlun: Piano Concerto in G Minor
China National Opera House Symphony Orchestra, Zheng Xiaoying – conductor
Joseph Banowetz, piano
“Huang Anlun: Piano Concerto in G Minor”
Marco Polo
Run time: 58:21
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.
“Where words fail, music speaks.” – Hans Christian Andersen
These words rarely ring more true than when an artist strives to make sense of senselessness. In so many ways, music can provide a focus for emotions that are difficult to express. In this episode, music in response to overwhelming events, from Armenia, Germany, and the United States.
“In Memoriam”
Joan Tower: In Memory
Tokoyo String Quartet
“Joan Tower: Instrumental Music”
Naxos
Leah Curtis: To Rest In Peace
Studio Orchestra
“To Rest In Peace (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
Leah Curtis
Sylvia Glickman: The Walls Are Quiet Now
Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra, Donald Smith – conductor
“The Walls Are Quiet Now (A Holocaust Remembrance Trilogy)”
Albany
Tatev Amiryan: Last Lullaby
Catherine Crawford, soprano; Tatev Amiryan, piano
Live Performance (used with permission)
Last Lullaby
by Ruben Sevak
English translation by Tatev Amiryan
Lull, lull . . . I lull you to sleep,
Lest you should hear your wounded father’s screaming
Venum you nurse . . . it is not milk . . .
I lull you to sleep.
Floods of blood burst from these holy mountains,
But you don’t flee, cherish your country, love it,
Do not be a captive in your own land, reign it . . .
I lull you to sleep
Here I am dying . . . Be Armenia your mother,
I bequeath to you this broken sword . . .
Still burning hot with your father’s blood . . .
I lull you to sleep . . .
Run time: 58:34
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.
“I once believed that I possessed creative talent, but I have given up this idea; a woman must not desire to compose – there has never yet been one able to do it. Should I expect to be the one?” – Clara Schumann
We’ve come a long way from the days when Clara Schumann denied her own talents in order to better conform to societal norms. In the premiere episode of Feminine Fusion, you’ll hear the work of composers who have left the parlor behind, and earned well-deserved accolades for their music and creativity.
“From Parlor … to Prize Winners”
Clara Schumann: Three Romances for Violin & Piano
Donne e Doni
“Music by Women Composers”
Musicraft
Ruth Crawford (Seeger): Quartet – 1931
The Pacifica Quartet
“Declarations: Music Between the Wars”
Cedille
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Symphony No. 1 (Three Movements for Orchestra)
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, John Nelson – conductor
“Ellen Taaffe Zwilich – Orchestral Works”
New World Recordings
Julia Wolfe: Anthracite Fields (Movements 3 & 4)
Bang On A Can All-Stars, Choir of Trinity Wall Street
“Anthracite Fields”
Cantaloupe Music
Run time: 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.
