大象传媒

Donald Macleod explores Maier鈥檚 first years in Leipzig, as she established herself in musical society - and met a shy young composer who later became her husband: Julius R枚ntgen.

Amanda Maier (1853-1894) was one of the 19th century鈥檚 most brilliant musicians, yet whose story was almost lost to history. Born in the small Swedish town of Landskrona, her virtuoso talent at the violin saw her rise to become one of Europe鈥檚 most in-demand performers: giving private and public concerts of major works by Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Bruch, as well as her own dazzling compositions. Maier was a friend of Grieg, Brahms, Clara Schumann and Ethel Smyth and her music was reviewed in newspapers across Europe. Tragically, ill health would see her pass away at the age of just 41 and her musical legacy slowly forgotten. All this week, Donald Macleod is joined by musicologist and violinist Dr Jennifer Martyn to celebrate Amanda Maier's life and work - with performances of all her extant compositions alongside works by key figures in her life, including Edward Grieg, Carl Reinecke and Maier's husband, Julius R枚ntgen, with whom she enjoyed a close and loving relationship in music and in life.

Before long, Amanda Maier鈥檚 reputation as a gifted violinist and composer was spreading beyond the shores of Sweden and Denmark. Arriving in Leipzig, once the city of JS Bach, Maier quickly became a firm fixture of the city鈥檚 musical life. Donald Macleod and guest Dr Jennifer Martyn also introduce a complete performance of Maier鈥檚 most extended work, her violin concerto, written around this time.

Aftonklockan (鈥淭he Evening Clock鈥�)
Sabina Bisholt, soprano
Bengt Forsberg, piano

Violin Sonata in B minor (1st mvt)
Frank Almond, violin
William Wolfram, piano

Julius R枚ntgen: Serenade for Wind No 1, Op 14 (1st mvt)
Linos Ensemble

Piano Trio in E flat major (2nd mvt)
Cecilia Zilliacus, violin
Kati Raitinen, cello
Bengt Forsberg, piano

Violin Concerto in D minor
Gregory Maytan, violin
Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, conductor Andreas Stoehr

S氓ngen (鈥淪ong鈥�)
Sabina Bisholt, soprano
Bengt Forsberg, piano

Produced by Steven Rajam for 大象传媒 Audio Wales & West