Composer Betzy Holmberg Deis (1860–1900)<subtitle>A feminist historical and biographical study</subtitle>

Abstract

This article concerns the life and career of composer Betzy Holmberg Deis (1860–1900), a woman artist of Finnish-Norwegian heritage who pursued an active career in Central Europe in the late 19th Century. Methodologically the research represents feminist music history and biographical research, which highlights women’s agency. The research material consists of original historical material from several archives, mainly in Finland, Norway, Denmark and Germany. In focusing on a women composer who until now has been omitted from scholarly writing on music history, the author aims to contribute new knowledge to the history of Nordic music. Holmberg Deis was successful in her composition studies at the Leipzig Conservatory. Her chamber and orchestral works, including a symphony, were performed during her lifetime in several countries. The orchestral works are lost, but a few of her chamber music compositions have survived. These make an original contribution to the late and neo-romantic Nordic repertoire.

Keywords

• Betzy Holmberg Deis
• music history
• women composer
• biographical research