Beach: Nocturen, Tyrolean Valse-Fantaisie, From Six to Twelve, Three Pianoforte Pieces, Improvisation, A September Forest, A Cradle Song of the Lonely Mother

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Amy Beach, a pioneering American composer who broke barriers as the first successful American female composer of large-scale art music. This album, released on July 15, 2012, by Guild GmbH, is a captivating journey through her diverse and evocative chamber music compositions. Spanning a little over an hour, the collection showcases Beach's remarkable ability to blend romanticism with American musical themes.

The album opens with the serene "Nocturne, Op. 107," followed by the lively "Tyrolean Valse-Fantaisie, Op. 116." Each piece is a testament to Beach's mastery of musical storytelling, from the haunting beauty of "The Old Chapel by Moonlight, Op. 106" to the playful charm of the six movements in "From Six to Twelve, Op. 119." Her ability to capture the essence of nature is evident in works like "A September Forest" and the whimsical "Three Pianoforte Pieces, Op. 128," which includes the delightful "A Peterborough Chipmunk."

Amy Beach's compositions are known for their rich harmonies and intricate textures, and this album is no exception. Whether it's the tender "A Cradle Song of the Lonely Mother, Op. 108" or the dynamic "Improvisations, Op. 148," each piece offers a unique emotional landscape. The album concludes with the poignant "Far Awa'," leaving you with a sense of the depth and breadth of Beach's musical genius. This collection is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of American music and the enduring legacy of Amy Beach.