Rebecca Clarke

Rebecca Helferich Clarke (Friskin) (August 27, 1886–October 13, 1979) was an English classical composer and violist best known for her chamber music featuring the viola. She is considered one of the most important British composers in the interwar period between World War I and World War II{{ref|grove}}; she has also been described as the most distinguished British female composer of her generation. {{ref|norton}}

Rebecca Clarke Society

The Rebecca Clarke Society was established in September 2000 to promote performance, scholarship, and awareness of the works of Rebecca Clarke, following an event at Brandeis University celebrating her work. Founded by musicologists Liane Curtis and Jessie Ann Owens and based out of the Women's Studies Research Center at Brandeis, the Society has pushed forward recording and scholarship of her work, including several world premiere performances and recordings of unpublished material as well as numerous journal publications. Dr. Laura Macy, another early board member, is now the editor of the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, a highly regarded reference work on all aspects of music, and was instrumental on increasing the publication's coverage of female composers, including Clarke, who was cut from the previous 1980 edition.

Related Topics:
Brandeis University - Musicologist - Women's Studies - Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians

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Of particular interest is the publication of previously unpublished compositions from Clarke's estate, include some that were unknown even by her family until after her death. "Binnorie", a twelve-minute song based on Celtic folklore, was only discovered in 1997, and not premiered until 2001. Over 25 previously unpublished works have been made available since the establishment of the Society. Several of Clarke's chamber works, including the expansive Rhapsody for cello and piano, and Cortège, her only piano work, were first recorded in 2000 on the Dutton label, making use of material made available from the Clarke estate. They organized and sponsored the world premieres of the 1907 and 1909 violin sonatas in 2002. Several concerts of her music have been put on through their efforts, particularly in the Boston area.

Related Topics:
Celt - Boston

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In addition to promoting Clarke, the Society also encourages female composers by sponsoring the Rebecca Clarke prize for new music by women. The contest was begun in 2003 and is planned to be held every two years.

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