Beach: Symphony in E Minor, Op. 32

Description

GAELIC SYMPHONY or SYMPHONY IN E MINOR, Op. 32 was written by Amy Beach (1867-1944) in 1894, and it holds the distinction of being the first symphony composed by a female American composer.

Premiering on October 30, 1896, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Emil Paur, the work received "public and journalistic acclaim." Although heavily influenced by contemporary Antonín Dvořák, who was very willing to incorporate Native American and African American themes into his music, Beach instead turned to Celtic music (specifically "Dark is the Night") for her symphony, resulting in the "Gaelic" title.

Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2+EH.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).