The Reading Warehouse

Music is constantly evolving, changing styles over the years as new composers and influences arise. Looking back, we can trace out six distinct musical eras-and many notable women, although largely overshadowed by more famous men, have made important contributions to the art of composition throughout the centuries.

An Introduction to Women Composers is a historical resource that highlights seven key female figures whose work has had widespread influence across the following musical studies:

- Religious music in medieval times

- Artistic freedom during the Renaissance

- Elaborate operas of the baroque period

- Structured melodies during the classical movement

- Expressive chamber music in the romantic era

- Unique modern music in the most recent century

Each segment provides an overview of an era's musical history and includes a review of influences, a composer biography with an original black-and-white portrait, listening guidelines, and a musical map for one composition. Women composers were for many years discouraged from publishing, but many insisted on creating regardless-and their work offers great insight into how music has changed over time.

Start investigating the long and fascinating history of Western music-and women's contributions-connecting everything from ancient religious chants to the billboard hits we hear today.