Women and the Piano

“Women were not able to pursue professional music careers for much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, no matter how musically gifted they were. . . . Anyone interested in learning about these hidden musical figures will find much to appreciate in this concise and carefully composed work.”—Carolyn Mulac, Booklist

“Its tone is one of joyful rediscovery and recognition, across 50 biographies of 50 colourful musicians. . . . While full of fascinating, often poignant detail, her succinct biographies also paint a rounded picture of a musical world.”—The Scotsman

“A fascinating and stimulating history of the shamefully ignored field that is female pianism. Susan Tomes writes powerfully and with compelling perception, introducing us to one inspirational figure after another – a real page-turner.”—Dame Imogen Cooper, pianist

“A fascinating, informative, and necessary book which makes us realise how female concert pianists, past and present, classical and jazz, have overcome obstacles and prejudices with sheer determination, talent, and amazing stamina. Brava, Susan!”—Angela Hewitt, pianist

“An impassioned argument against the unjust bias of musical history’s received opinions; a sprightly collection of spellbinding life stories; a deft and immaculately researched explanation of the piano, and how it is played. Page-turningly readable, and surely destined to become a feminist classic.”—Dame Judith Weir, Master of the King’s Music

“Some of these women have been my beloved heroines since childhood; others I’d never even heard of; still others I was delighted to learn more about. This book is a thought-provoking collection of vignettes about women who played and loved the piano.”—Sir Stephen Hough, pianist