Stories of Women Composers – by Catherine Kendall

For young musicians! Tells how thirty female composers – including Hildegard von Bingen, Clara Schumann, and Augusta Read Thomas – lived, developed their talents, and influenced the world.

Stories of Women Composers shares the stories of thirty female artists (fifteen of them American-born), with birthdates ranging from 1098 to 1966. They are portrayed first as children and then as adults, as they overcome obstacles to become accomplished musicians and composers. The stories, based on carefully researched historical material, describe the influences which shaped these women's lives and the extent and scope of their mature careers. The stories are told in clear, relatable language; they describe in a moving, passionate way the nature of these female artists’ lives and work

The book is set in large type, with portraits of the composers, a calendar of their birthdays, and an extensive list of recordings of their compositions. Wrote one of the composers to the author: "I am tickled to be in your book. And grateful. It will undoubtedly make a difference to future generations and should broaden the horizons of presently active music teachers and music students and their parents."