Emilie Mayer (born in Friedland/Mecklenburg in 1812, died in Berlin in 1883) was one of the most important female composers of the 19th century. She composed eight symphonies, concert overtures, a piano concerto, chamber music and songs and was celebrated in her time ... until she was forgotten. The estate, long administered by her grandnieces, was destroyed during both world wars. Now she is being rediscovered and her music is being played in major concert halls. But who was Emilie Mayer?
How did she live, how did she work, what did she think? No private statements from her about her life and work are known, neither as letters nor as diary entries. The author Gitta Martens has now published a fictitious diary of Emilie Mayer. With the little that is known about the composer, she creates a tableau of an eventful artist's life against the backdrop of 19th century history and creates an entertaining and informative novel.
Gitta Martens is our guest today and presents her diary novel about the Friedland composer.
