Ethel Smyth was the face of feminism in the early 20th century, a controversial figure, and a trailblazer for female composers to come. Smyth was stubborn and defiant, becoming a composer even though she was a woman. Even as a child, she was a rebel, locking herself in her room and refusing to eat until her father let her.
When she died, though, her many opera compositions were completely erased, until now. Her powerful compositions have been getting her a revival, gaining traction in 2018, with “The Prison” winning a Grammy in 2021, according to BBC.
Her gender and the sexist views of the early 20th century, were the biggest obstacles to her success. According to Dr Amy Zigler, an assistant professor of music at Salem College, “For more than a century, the gatekeepers believed women weren’t capable of writing music on a par with male composers.”
Smyth overcame this obstacle eventually, winning the support of many other composers and conductors.
When she died, though, her many opera compositions were completely erased, until now. Her powerful compositions have been getting her a revival, gaining traction in 2018, with “The Prison” winning a Grammy in 2021, according to BBC.
Her gender and the sexist views of the early 20th century, were the biggest obstacles to her success. According to Dr Amy Zigler, an assistant professor of music at Salem College, “For more than a century, the gatekeepers believed women weren’t capable of writing music on a par with male composers.”
Smyth overcame this obstacle eventually, winning the support of many other composers and conductors.
