Music Meets Drama

“Am only just back from my trip to the coast – have had a simply marvelous time, hospitality – friendliness, two concerts, speeches – interviews – my honorary degree – (Marion Bauer also received one) – and such scenery from the southern desert to the Canadian Rockies.” July 12, 1932….a letter to Mr. Austin at the Arthur P Schmidt Company in Boston – her publisher. Gena Branscombe recounts the honorary degree conferred on her from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.   She was proud and thankful to be given a Master of Music degree alongside fellow composer and colleague, Marion Bauer. Gena joined the faculty of Whitman College as Head of the Piano Department in 1907.   During her two year tenure at the college, she taught piano, theory and composition.   Concerts of her music were performed there. Metropolitan Opera soprano, Lillian Nordica was on concert tour in Seattle and performed Gena’s song “Hail Bounteous May.”   She met her futur...

Having composed 150 art songs during her long career, Gena Branscombe’s vocal works were performed by renowned opera singers of her era who gloried in singing beautiful, romantic music. A famous person putting forth her music in concert meant audience members might seek her out, then purchase her sheet music! In addition to the well-known singers, there were voice teachers, Broadway and Vaudeville performers, oratorio and recital specialists and even church choir members who promoted the expressive and lilting songs by Miss Branscombe. During a number of our talk-backs after performances of “Life! Love! Song! A Visit with Gena Branscombe,” Martin and I have answered questions about Miss Branscombe’s life, family and music, our work together and much more. One of the questions that seems to recur is, “Who sang her songs during her lifetime? And, where did they perform them?” Now for the answer to those questions. Recently I purchased a copy of her song, “The Morning Wind” an...