Women Composers
When Leipzig pianist Kyra Steckeweh realised that her repertoire almost exclusively consisted of music composed by men, she began searching for pieces written by female composers. Her research in archives, libraries, and publishing houses quickly brought to light a variety of remarkable piano pieces that have been buried in history and rarely performed.. Steckeweh sees a lot of catching up to do, which is why the focus of her piano recitals and recordings has since shifted to the music of women composers, particularly Mel Bonis, Lili Boulanger and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel. With these releases she has brought to our attention and delight three very different composers, all of whom left a diverse body of work. In addition to the in-depth examination of the music, Steckeweh, as a pianist and historian, seeks to look "behind the notes": How did these women live? What barriers did they have to overcome and how did they manage to cope with the obstacles of their time? The film "Women Composers" highlights the historical and personal circumstances under which these three remarkable women created their works in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
"Highly Recommended" - Video Librarian
"This film is recommended for all audiences who want to learn more about remarkable women in the arts during the 19th century." - EMRO
Cast
- Kyra Steckeweh
DVD Features
Q&A with filmmakers Kyra Steckeweh & Tim van Beveren
Kyra Steckeweh performs Ophelie
Discs: 1
- "With a few exceptions, the female composers of the 19th and early 20th centuries have not yet really reached the consciousness of a broad audience. That their place in music history is now being awarded to them is attributed to such outstanding interpreters and filmmakers like Kyra Steckeweh and Tim van Beveren. It is thanks to the two of them that the awareness for women composing is sharpened in the first place. "
- "Masterful film craft and great storytelling, including highly interesting musical discoveries."
- "...sensational, unbelievably profound. A" must-see "for every music-loving and affine person."
- "Musical interpretation of breathtaking brilliance ... sensitive portraits ... the need for appreciation finally publicly addressed."
Awards & Recognition
November Award - Best Documentary
New York Movie Awards
Opus Klassik
Germany
Near Nazareth Festival
Vox Feminae Film Festival
Great Lakes Int'l. Documentary Film Festival