Ethel Smyth: The Eccentric Composer Who Struck the Right Chord

Ethel Smyth was a British composer, feminist, and overall musical maverick. Born in 1858, she is best known for her operas, notably The Wreckers and The Boatswain’s Mate. But Ethel was more than just a composer; she was a trailblazer for women in music, and an all-around eccentric.

Early Life of Ethel Smyth

Ethel grew up in a wealthy family in Surrey, and received a classical education that was typically reserved for men. But Ethel was anything but typical. At the age of 19, she announced that she wanted to study music, much to her father’s dismay. But when Ethel set her mind to something, there was no stopping her.

Career in Music

Ethel worked hard and became an accomplished composer, but she faced one obstacle that many women in music struggled with: being taken seriously. So, Ethel made it her mission to prove herself, and she did so in a big way. Her opera The Wreckers premiered in Germany in 1906 and was a huge success. It was even performed at The Met in New York City, a rare feat for a female composer of the time.

Feminist Activism

But Ethel wasn’t content to rest on her musical laurels. She was a passionate feminist, and used her music to further the cause. Her anthem “The March of the Women” became the anthem for the suffragette movement in the UK, and was even sung by imprisoned suffragettes in Holloway Prison.

Eccentricity and Quirkiness

Aside from her musical accomplishments, Ethel was also known for her eccentricities. She had a pet parrot that she would take for walks on a leash, and once famously set fire to a piano to protest against her neighbor’s noisy practice sessions. She also had a love of smoking cigars, which was highly unusual for a woman of her time.

Legacy of Ethel Smyth

Ethel Smyth may not be a household name, but she left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. As a feminist and a trailblazer, she made it easier for future generations of female composers to have their voices heard. And as an eccentric, she showed us that sometimes the greatest talent comes in the quirkiest packages.