Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on women composers of Lieder, as well as exploring ideas about women, and gender, as represented more generally in the Lied repertoire, notably in such powerful figures as the Lorelei. It shows women who embraced Lied composition and performance owning their share of the genre, and marking it with their personal stamp. The book offers a detailed analysis of a single song: Clara Schumann's setting of Liebst du um Schnheit, in relation to its composerly qualities, considering in detail the composers response to the poetic text. Lorraine Byrne-Bodleys revisionist approach to the salon culture associated with women composers provides rich historical and cultural insights into the spheres within which women's Lieder were performed in the nineteenth century.