Classical Music

Women in Classical Music

If you look at the listings of the major orchestras in America you will see two things in common; very few of them are programming major pieces by women composers, and almost none have a woman on the podium. Despite the abundance of wonderful compositions by women, the world of classical music has been, for centuries, a man’s world.

Marianna Martines, 18th century Spanish composer

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By Ruth Phinney

Published February 26, 2020 at 2:06 PM EST

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Marianna Martines was an 18th century Viennese noblewoman who composed oratorios, masses and sacred choral music. She grew up in the same building as the young composer, Franz Joseph Haydn, and received musical training in voice, harpsichord and composition. Marianna was frequently asked to sing for the Empress Maria Theresa, but she never held an appointed position; which was unacceptable for a woman of her social class at that time.