Open Collections

Therieau, Kaylee

University of British Columbia

This thesis discusses the lives and works of Clara Angela Macirone (1821-1914) and Oliveria Prescott (1842-1919), two prominent women musicians featured in The Girls’ Own Paper (TGOP) during the late 19th century. Both graduates of the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) and accomplished composers, teachers, and authors, Macirone and Prescott advocated for the equal music education of Victorian girls through their writings in TGOP. Macirone's "A Plea for Music" series (December 1883 to July 1884) passionately promotes the importance of music education in girls' schools, drawing parallels with the benefits seen in boys' schools. Her subsequent series, "On Taste in the Choice of Songs" (March to August 1885), provides guidance to young singers on selecting appropriate repertoire while delving into English music culture and the spiritual aspects of music making. Prescott, on the other hand, contributed to the music theory landscape of the era with her book Form, or Design, in Music (1882), compiled from her articles in the Musical World, and About Music, and What it is Made Of: A Book for Amateurs (1904), derived from her public lectures. Comparing these publications, along with her articles in TGOP, uncovers Prescott’s specific changes in language between her writings for musicians versus musical amateurs. By analyzing their articles and comparing their perspectives, this paper reveals their contrasting opinions on the purpose of music in a woman's life and the broader societal expectations for women in the Victorian era. Through their efforts, Macirone and Prescott paved the way for future generations of women in music, challenging traditional gender norms in the profession and advocating for equal opportunities in music education.

Text

2024-04-29

Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/88047

Music - Theory

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/