Alice Mary Smith

Full biography Alice Mary Smith

Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884) was an English composer who is best known for her two symphonies and large collection of choral works , both secular and sacred. She was born in London and began composing at a young age. Despite the social conventions of the time, which limited women's involvement in music, Smith received a good musical education and went on to write music that defied traditional gender norms.

Smith's music was performed in England during her lifetime and was well regarded by critics and audiences alike. She was a trailblazer for women in music and a member of the Royal Philharmonic Society, the first woman to be elected to that position.

Smith's most notable work is her Symphony in C minor, which she completed in 1863 when she was just 24 years old. This symphony was the first to ever be completed by a British woman, and it helped to dispel the widely held view at the time that women were not capable of creating serious works of music.

In addition to her symphonies, Smith composed a substantial quantity of orchestral , chamber, and choral music at a time when women were normally expected to write lightweight songs and piano music. She remains today one of the most important female composers of the 19th century and an inspiration to many composers who have followed in her footsteps.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Smith's music and the music of other forgotten female composers. New record labels are specifically focusing on raising the profile of these composers, and there is a growing movement to include more works by women in the standard classical music canon.

Overall, Alice Mary Smith was a remarkable composer who defied convention and made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her works continue to be performed and admired today, and she remains an important figure in musical history.