Music Meets Drama

Women’s History Month officially came to a close yesterday.   As many of you may have seen, I posted on my Facebook page, Life! Love! Song!  A Visit with Gena Branscombe, a short biography and photo of thirty different women composers of Gena’s era (1881-1977).   On International Women’s Day I posted a photo and biographical information on Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana who in 1916 voted for equal voting rights for women in all states.   To honor all thirty-one women during March was a learning experience and an eye-opener for their accomplishments. What struck me as I did my research was that 23 of these women attended college including Juilliard, New England Conservatory, Leipzig Conservatory, Paris Conservatory, Royal Academy of Music, Royal Conservatory of Music, Peabody, Columbia, New York University and other schools.   These same women studied with the great composition teachers of the time whether here in the United S...

Louise Talma  (1906-1996) New York City, 1991….phone conversation…. “Hello, may I please speak to Louise Talma?”   “Speaking.”   “Miss Talma, my name is Kathleen Shimeta and I am a mezzo-soprano.   You do not know me.   I am calling because I am in the midst of planning a recital of American art songs composed by living composers.   When I perform this recital, I would like the composers to be in the audience.   The program will take place in November, American Music Month, so my recital honors living American composers.   I would like to include some of your songs on the program.”   “Have you purchased any of my songs?” “Not yet.”   “Well, when you have purchased my songs, call me back.”   And, she abruptly hung up the phone.   Thus was my introduction to composer, Louise Talma. Born in Arcachon, France, Miss Talma was raised in New York City.   Her musical training took place at Institute of Musical Arts ...