Before you hear the Maryland Symphony Orchestra perform Forged by Beethoven on November 8 and 9, take a moment to explore another extraordinary work on the program—Emilie Mayer’s Symphony No. 7 in F Minor.
Often called the “female Beethoven,” Mayer was one of the most prolific and fearless symphonists of the 19th century. Her Seventh Symphony, composed in 1855, brims with energy and emotional depth, blending classical form with her own bold, Romantic voice.
Take a closer look at five things to listen for when this remarkable symphony comes to life on stage:
1. A stormy opening that commands attention.
The symphony begins in restless motion, driven by dark harmonies and urgent rhythms. From the first bars, Mayer pulls you directly into her world—passionate, complex, and unafraid of intensity.
2. Elegance amid turmoil.
In the second movement, Mayer reveals her lyrical side. Flowing melodies and graceful lines weave through shifting moods, creating moments of unexpected serenity within the storm.
3. A scherzo full of wit and vitality.
The third movement dances with energy. Listen for quick exchanges between strings and winds, sharp contrasts in rhythm, and the unmistakable sense of a composer delighting in orchestral color.
4. Craftsmanship that rivals her contemporaries.
Mayer’s mastery of structure and counterpoint shines throughout the work. Each theme develops with precision and purpose, proof that her place alongside the great symphonists is long overdue.
5. A finale of fierce determination.
The symphony concludes in a surge of momentum and fire. Mayer builds tension until the final chords blaze with triumph—a musical statement of resilience and power that still feels revolutionary today.