Emilie Zumsteeg

Full biography Emilie Zumsteeg

Emilie Zumsteeg (1796-1857) was a German composer, pianist, choral conductor, and singer. She was born on December 9, 1796, in Stuttgart, Germany, and showed an early aptitude for music. She was the daughter of the ballad composer Johann Rudolf Zumsteeg, and her younger brother Julius was also a noted composer.

Emilie Zumsteeg's compositions mainly consisted of lieder, piano works, and choral music. Her early work included three polonaises for the piano, and she later composed over 50 lieder, many of which were set to texts by the poet Theodor Körner. Her lieder are characterized by their simplicity and understated emotional impact. Her harmonic language is conservative, and she employed a variety of forms and styles in her compositions.

Zumsteeg's musical career was somewhat overshadowed by that of her father, who was a well-established composer in his own right. It was not until later in her life that Zumsteeg began to gain more recognition for her own compositions.

Zumsteeg's legacy as a female composer of the 19th century has gained renewed attention in recent years. Her music has been featured in concerts and recordings alongside other female composers of the time, such as Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn.

In conclusion, Emilie Zumsteeg was a talented and accomplished composer of the 19th century whose works continue to be appreciated and celebrated today.