Contributions of Women

Fanny Cäcilie Mendelssohn Hensel (1805-1847) was the older sister of the celebrated composer Felix Mendelssohn. Because of the prevailing attitudes towards women, Fanny had little support in her musical endeavors and at times had her work published under her brothers’ name…! We offer two of her works today – first, a ‘song without words,’ a lyrical, tuneful piano piece meant to suggest a text that is not there; and second, a classic German Lied, a setting of a poem by Joseph von Eichendorff (1788-1857) underscoring the glories of nature.

‘Morning Serenade’ is part of Fanny’s Opus No. 1, the first publishing project under her own name.

To give you a flavor of the fear and trepidation with which women, even smart, rich women, had to proceed – I offer this line from a letter of Fanny to Felix, referring to this newly-published Opus No. 1:

“I am beginning to publish… I hope I won’t disgrace you through my publishing, as I’m no femme libre… Hopefully you will in no way be bothered by it, as I have proceeded, as you see, completely independently, in order to spare you any unpleasant moment…”

Alarming, isn’t it?

‘Jesus Christ the Apple Tree,’ a carol from the pen of British composer Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) is usually sung at Advent carol services. The graceful lines of the setting and the sincere appeal of the text – to be nourished and rooted in Christ – feels right anytime, though, and especially in Lent.

The choir offers a recent anthem by Craig Phillips, setting a text of Helen Schucman (1909-1981). Helen was a research psychologist with a practice at Columbia University who is best known for her ‘transcription’ of something called ‘A Course in Miracles,’ a controversial set of writings that combine Christianity, Eastern thought, mysticism, psychology and Platonism. I find this text, from a collection called ‘The Gifts of God,’ to be particularly beautiful and clear and helpful.

Meredith Stephenson has recently relocated to New Mexico, after having been active in the Atlanta, GA area for many years. This ‘Sanctus’ was written on commission from me for my Folk Music group at Holy Innocents’ Church – a merry little band called ‘HI Spirit.’

-Keith Weber