Rebecca Helferich Clarke

Full biography Rebecca Helferich Clarke

Rebecca Helferich Clarke (1886-1979) was an English classical composer and viola player. She was born in Harrow, a suburb of London, and began playing the viola at a young age. In her early career, she played with various ensembles and orchestras, and even performed as a soloist.

As a composer, Clarke wrote nearly 100 works , including songs, choral works, chamber pieces and music for solo piano. However, due in part to her ideas about the role of a female composer , only 20 pieces were published in her lifetime. Her work was recognized for its compositional skill , and she was internationally renowned as a violist.

Clarke's style was influenced by the late Romantic and early modernist periods of music, and she incorporated elements of both styles into her compositions. Many of her works were characterized by their use of chromatic harmonies and rich tonal colors.

Later in life, Clarke moved to the United States, where she continued to compose and perform. She also taught at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, and her music was featured in concerts and on the radio.

Despite facing many barriers as a female composer, Clarke's works have endured and continue to be performed today. She is remembered as a talented and innovative composer and violist who made significant contributions to the classical music world.