celebrating three hundred years of music by women

Maria Hester Park (1760-1813)

The fact that there were two Maria Parks has led to some confusion! Maria Hester Park (1760-1818, née Reynolds) was a singer, pianist and composer. She taught music to members of the nobility, including the Duchess of Devonshire (1757-1806) and her daughters. The critic Henry Davey (1853-1929) reported that 'A set by Maria Hester Reynolds (1785) deserves mention as the first serious attempt by a woman, and they are not below the average.' She was one of the most prolific of 18th century women composers. Among her extant works are a charming Piano Concerto and several Sonatas, for piano, and for violin & piano. The British Library holds her 'Six easy divertimentos for the harp and pianoforte: in which are introduced a celebrated German minuet & waltz, op. VIII'. Her Sonata Op 4 No 1 in F major is on the Centauer CD CRC2320. There are 7 works on IMSLP.

Click on these works for more details below:

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Piano Concerto in E flat, Op 6; Piano & Strings (1791; published 1795); score.
1. Allegro; E flat. 2. Andante; B flat. 3. Rondo: Presto; E flat
When I gave the modern première of this piece in 1992 the London Independent newspaper wrote "In its bold and attractive opening pages, one sensed the confidence with which it was composed against the background of the central Austro-German tradition. But increasingly one became aware of those odd moments which came from nowhere but the composer's own individual spirit. There was a freshness and integrity of personality which was spiritedly presented by Diana Ambache and her players." The spirit of Mozart hovers over the lively first movement. A limpid slow movement leads into the energetic hunting Finale. (Vivace Press).

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Violin & Piano Sonatas, Op 13
No 1: Andante Maestoso - Allego Brillante; B flat. No 2: Andante expressivo; D. Allegro; D. 10 mins each
Two short classical sonatas which make an impact in brief statements. Both slow movements have grandure and nobility, while the fast movements bounce along with attractive brilliance. I have played No 2's (D major) Andante espressivo several times, with pleasure.

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Piano Sonata Op 2 No 1 in C (Parke)
1. Allegro assai; C major. 2. Andante; C minor. 3. Rondo: Allegro assai; C major. 13 mins
A bold, open version of C major, with plenty of lively turns. The slow movement has a poignant quality and is followed by a sunny Rondo.

Vivace Press also publish various keyboard works, including 3 Sonatas. Hildegard.com have issued her 'Six Sonatas for Violin and Keyboard, Op 1.' Here is Sonata II.

Maria Frances Parke (1772-1822)
was also a soprano, keyboard-player and composer. She was the daughter of the prominent London oboist John Parke (1745-1829) and was later Mrs Beardmore. On Haydn's second London visit, she took part in a 1794 concert, and played a Concerto in the interval of a Drury Lane concert. He directed a Symphony at one of her benefit concerts (May 1794), which was reviewed in the Morning Herald. He wrote a Sonata in D for her, Hob XVI/51. She wrote some Sonatas herself; her Op 1, 3 Sonatas, 1799, are on Barbara Harbach. The Op 2 Sonatas, with violin ad lib are on Vivace Press.