This Saturday morning, March 7, during the 9 AM hour on Classic 107, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the music of French women composers. With International Women’s Day coming up on Sunday, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate their remarkable contributions to classical music, many of which have long been overlooked.
Here’s what’s on the program:
9:00 AM — Cécile Chaminade: Flute Concertino
Performed by Timothy Hutchins with the CBC Vancouver Orchestra under Mario Bernardi, Chaminade’s Flute Concertino in D major, Op. 107 is a sparkling example of her melodic genius. Born in 1857, Chaminade was one of the most celebrated French female composers of her time. Her works, full of charm and virtuosity, were highly popular in both France and England. The Concertino showcases lyrical and virtuosic flute lines paired with an elegant orchestral backdrop, making it a delight for both performers and listeners.
9:07 AM – Germaine Tailleferre: String Quartet
Performed by the Leipzig Quartet, this piece highlights Tailleferre’s distinctive voice as the only female member of the famed Les Six, a group of early 20th-century French composers. Born in 1892, Tailleferre blended wit, elegance, and harmonic inventiveness. Her string quartet is noted for their clarity, rhythmic vitality, and expressive lyricism.
9:17 AM – Henriette Renié: Trio for Violin, Cello, and Harp
Featuring Valérie Milot (harp), Stéphane Tétrault (cello), and Antoine Bareil (violin), this trio represents the mastery of Renié (1875–1956), a celebrated harpist and composer. Renowned for her contributions to harp repertoire, Renié’s works combine technical brilliance with emotional depth, offering a unique chamber music experience that emphasizes the harp in an intimate setting.
9:24 AM – Rita Strohl: Cello Sonata – “Grand Dramatic Sonata, Titus and Berenice” (Final Movement)
Performed by Yoshika Masuda (cello) and Hyejin Kim (piano), Strohl (1865–1941) was a French composer and pianist whose dramatic, expressive style drew admiration in her lifetime. This sonata movement captures her flair for theatrical narrative and emotional intensity, making it a compelling work for both performer and audience.
9:35 AM – Melanie Bonis: 1st Movement of 2nd Piano Quartet
Performed by the Mozart Piano Quartet, Bonis (1858–1937) was a prolific composer whose works span piano, chamber, and vocal music. Her music combines Romantic lyricism with elegance and refinement. The first movement of her second piano quartet features rich harmonic textures and lively interplay among the instruments.
9:45 AM – Pauline Viardot: Songs “Sérénade” and “Bonjour Mon Cœur”
Performed by Isabel Bayrakdarian (soprano) and Serouj Kradjian (piano), Viardot (1821–1910) was an acclaimed singer, pianist, and composer. A leading figure of the 19th-century Parisian music scene, she composed more than 60 songs celebrated for their melodic beauty and expressive depth. These two selections showcase her gift for lyrical charm and emotional nuance.
9:48 AM – Lili Boulanger: Trois Morceaux for Piano
Performed by Elisabeth Pion, Lili Boulanger (1893–1918) was the first woman to win the Prix de Rome composition prize. Despite her tragically short life, her music reveals extraordinary sophistication, sensitivity, and color. The Trois Morceaux are miniature piano pieces that blend impressionistic textures with vivid harmonic imagination.
9:53 AM – Louise Farrenc: 3rd Movement of Sextet
Performed by Les Vents Français with Eric Le Sage at the piano, Farrenc (1804–1875) was a composer, pianist, and teacher who achieved recognition in her lifetime for her chamber works. The third movement of her sextet highlights her mastery of form, counterpoint, and expressive interplay between wind instruments and piano.
So this Saturday morning, why not treat yourself? Brew a fresh coffee, grab a buttery croissant, and settle in for the 9 AM hour on Classic 107. Let the sparkling melodies of Chaminade, the lyrical charm of Viardot, and the inventive brilliance of Boulanger wash over you. It’s a perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day a little early — enjoying some of the most marvelous music ever written by French women composers, all from the comfort of your favorite chair. Vive la France, and vive the music!