Donald Macleod sees Emilie Mayer return to her roots in search of a more peaceful life.

Composer of the Week explores the remarkable life and music of Emilie Mayer, who was known in her lifetime as the Female Beethoven. Born in Germany, in 1812, Mayer is considered by some to be the most prolific female composer of the Romantic period. She was held in high regard by the musical establishment of her time and appointed co-director of the Opera Academy in Berlin. Royalty frequently attended Mayer’s concerts and awarded her gold medals for her music and other artistic endeavours. In 1883 when Mayer died, she was buried in a place of honour, near to Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn. Donald Macleod is joined by Katy Hamilton throughout the week, to explore Mayer's life and the environment in which she flourished.

Emilie Mayer had firmly established herself in Berlin’s august musical circles. She had been feted by Royals and honoured by the city’s major institutions; and yet, she chose to leave the city and return to Stettin in the 1860s. It’s possible she wanted to be nearer to her old mentor and champion, Carl Loewe, who was now getting on in years but there may have also been a financial incentive. Her music was now regularly performed across Germany and Austria, and she was often forced to meet the costs involved herself. Her male counterparts would often receive an honorarium from their publishers, but Mayer still had to pay for her works to be put into print. Mayer may have felt that she couldn’t afford to stay in Berlin any longer.

Symphony No 4 in B minor (Allegro appassionato)
Neubrandenburg Philharmonie
Stefan Malzew, conductor

Piano Quartet in E flat major (Finale Allegro)
Mariani Klavierquartett

Piano Trio in B minor, Op 16 (Scherzo)
Trio Vivente

Symphony No 6 in E (excerpt)
Kiel Philharmonic Orchestra
Benjamin Reiners, conductor

Produced by Luke Whitlock, for BBC Wales Show less