The Franklin Quartet: We Women

The prejudice about womens’ creative abilities in the 18th and 19th centuries was largely a direct result of writings of leading European political/philosophical figures such as Jean Jaques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant. In 1758 Rousseau wrote:

“Women in general possess no artistic sensibility . . . nor genius. They can acquire a knowledge . . . of anything through hard work. But the celestial fire that emblazons and ignites the soul, the inspiration that consumes and devours . . . these sublime ecstasies that reside in the depths of the heart are always lacking in women’s writings. These creations are as cold and pretty as women”.

Being a girl prodigy in that time, to say the least, was not easy. While some girls would grow up to perform for family and friends, it was not considered appropriate for them to pursue music academically or professionally.

In “We Women” Franklin Quartet brings forward poet Edith Södergran and composers Fanny Hensel, Emilie Mayer, Amanda Maier-Röntgen, and Maddalena Lombardini Sirmen. These five remarkable women, all European but hailing from countries as diverse as Finland, Sweden, Germany and Italy, refused to become ornaments. In the face of daunting odds and rigid societal norms, they fought for their art and the root of their being for their entire lives. Join us in reveling in their breathtaking genius.

Host or Publisher Church of the Good Shepherd Rosemont PA