21 Greatest Female Composers in Music History (Must Hear List)

The history of music is rich with the contributions of extraordinary female composers who, despite facing significant societal barriers, have left an indelible mark on the world of classical and contemporary music. From the medieval chants of Hildegard von Bingen to the modern innovations of Jennifer Higdon, these women have shaped the course of music history with their creativity, resilience, and talent.

Their compositions span a wide range of genres and styles, reflecting the diversity of their experiences and the unique perspectives they brought to their art.

This article explores the lives and legacies of the greatest female composers, celebrating their enduring influence and the timeless beauty of their music.

21 Greatest Female Composers That You Should Know

These composers have made significant contributions to the world of music, each bringing their unique voice and creativity to the rich tapestry of classical and contemporary music. Their works continue to be performed and celebrated around the world.

Here’s a list of 21 of the greatest female composers, spanning various eras and genres:

#1 Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179)

Hildegard von Bingen was a German Benedictine abbess, mystic, writer, and composer, whose influence extended far beyond her time. Born into a noble family, Hildegard was dedicated to religious life at a young age and later became the abbess of a monastery near Bingen. Her compositions, primarily liturgical songs and chants, are among the earliest known written music by a woman. Hildegard’s music is unique for its expansive vocal ranges and the use of melismatic text settings, which were innovative for her time.

Her most famous work, Ordo Virtutum, is a morality play set to music, considered one of the earliest examples of liturgical drama. In addition to her musical output, Hildegard was a prolific writer on theology, medicine, and natural history, often intertwining her visions and mystic experiences with her work. Her music and writings have had a lasting impact on both religious and musical traditions, and she is recognized today as one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages.

#2 Clara Schumann (1819–1896)

Clara Schumann, née Wieck, was a German pianist, composer, and one of the most distinguished musicians of the Romantic era. Born in Leipzig, Clara was a child prodigy who began performing in public at the age of nine, and her virtuosity quickly garnered widespread acclaim. She married the composer Robert Schumann, and while she is often remembered as his muse and interpreter, Clara was an accomplished composer in her own right.

Her compositions include piano works, songs, and chamber music, with her Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17 being particularly notable. Clara’s style is characterized by lyrical melodies, intricate counterpoint, and a deep expressiveness that reflects the Romantic spirit. After Robert’s death, Clara focused on performing and promoting his works while continuing to compose, albeit less frequently. Her influence on the development of piano music and her role as a leading female figure in 19th-century music have made her an enduring icon in classical music history.

#3 Fanny Mendelssohn (1805–1847)

Fanny Mendelssohn was a German composer and pianist, and the sister of the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn. Born into a highly cultured and affluent family, Fanny displayed extraordinary musical talent from a young age. Despite the societal constraints of her time, which limited women’s opportunities to pursue careers in music, Fanny composed over 400 works, including songs, piano pieces, and chamber music.

Her compositions often exhibit the same lyrical beauty and structural clarity as her brother’s, though her style also carries a distinct voice marked by rich harmonies and emotional depth. Fanny’s Piano Trio in D minor and her collection of songs, Gartenlieder, are among her most celebrated works. Many of her compositions were published under her brother’s name, a reflection of the gender norms of the era. It wasn’t until after her death that her contributions to music began to be more fully recognized. Today, Fanny Mendelssohn is celebrated as a pioneering female composer whose work continues to gain the recognition it deserves.

#4 Amy Beach (1867–1944)

Amy Beach was an American composer and pianist who broke new ground as the first successful female composer of large-scale art music in the United States. Born in New Hampshire, Beach was a child prodigy with perfect pitch and a natural talent for composition. She made her concert debut as a pianist at age 16, but her compositional career truly blossomed after her marriage, when she turned her focus primarily to composing. Beach’s Gaelic Symphony (1896) was the first symphony composed and published by an American woman, and it was met with critical acclaim, establishing her reputation as a serious composer.

Her music is marked by its rich harmonies, lyrical melodies, and masterful orchestration, often drawing on themes from her New England heritage and incorporating elements of folk music. In addition to her symphonies, Beach composed piano music, choral works, and songs, with her Piano Concerto in C-sharp minor and Mass in E-flat major standing out as significant contributions to American music. Amy Beach’s legacy is that of a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of female composers.

#5 Lili Boulanger (1893–1918)

Lili Boulanger was a French composer and the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1913. Born into a musical family in Paris, Boulanger was a prodigious talent who began composing at a young age. Despite her fragile health, which plagued her throughout her life, Boulanger created a remarkable body of work in her short 24 years. Her compositions are known for their innovation, emotional intensity, and complex harmonies, reflecting the influence of Impressionism and French modernism.

Boulanger’s most famous works include Faust et Hélène, Psalm 24, and Pie Jesu, the latter of which she composed shortly before her death. Her music often explores themes of spirituality and transcendence, and she was deeply influenced by her experiences of illness and mortality. Lili Boulanger’s premature death cut short a promising career, but her contributions to music remain influential, and she is remembered as one of the most gifted composers of her generation.

#6 Nadia Boulanger (1887–1979)

Nadia Boulanger was a French composer, conductor, and one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century. Born into a musical family in Paris, Nadia studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where she won numerous prizes for composition. Although she composed several works early in her career, including the Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra and Les Heures claires, Boulanger eventually turned her focus to teaching, where she had an enormous impact on the course of modern music.

As a teacher, Boulanger mentored some of the most important composers of the 20th century, including Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Philip Glass. Her pedagogical approach emphasized a deep understanding of musical form, harmony, and counterpoint, and she was known for her exacting standards and profound musical insight. In addition to her work as a teacher, Boulanger was a pioneering female conductor, leading major orchestras in Europe and the United States. Nadia Boulanger’s legacy is one of profound influence, shaping the direction of Western classical music through her students and her vast knowledge of musical tradition.

#7 Ethel Smyth (1858–1944)

Ethel Smyth was an English composer and a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement. Born into a military family, Smyth defied her father’s wishes to pursue a career in music, studying composition at the Leipzig Conservatory. Smyth composed in various genres, including operas, orchestral works, chamber music, and choral pieces. Her most famous opera, The Wreckers, is considered one of the most important English operas of the early 20th century. Smyth’s music is characterized by its boldness, dramatic intensity, and incorporation of folk elements.

In addition to her musical career, Smyth was deeply involved in the suffrage movement, and her March of the Women became the anthem for the Women’s Social and Political Union. Smyth’s activism and music made her a significant cultural figure, and she was the first female composer to be awarded a damehood in the United Kingdom. Her legacy as both a composer and a suffragette continues to be celebrated.

#8 Germaine Tailleferre (1892–1983)

Germaine Tailleferre was a French composer and the only female member of the influential group of composers known as Les Six, which also included Jean Cocteau, Darius Milhaud, and Francis Poulenc. Born in Paris, Tailleferre studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where she developed a style characterized by clarity, wit, and a neoclassical approach. Her music often displays a lightness and elegance, with influences ranging from Baroque to jazz.

Tailleferre composed in a variety of genres, including orchestral works, chamber music, piano pieces, ballets, and film scores. Notable works include her Piano Concerto No. 1, Concertino for Harp and Orchestra, and The Little Mermaid. Despite the challenges she faced as a female composer in a male-dominated field, Tailleferre maintained a successful career throughout her life. Her contributions to 20th-century music, particularly her role in Les Six, have secured her a lasting place in the history of French music.

#9 Pauline Viardot (1821–1910)

Pauline Viardot was a French mezzo-soprano, pianist, and composer, and one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 19th century. Born into a highly musical family—her father was the famed tenor Manuel García and her sister was the renowned singer Maria Malibran—Viardot was immersed in music from an early age. As a composer, Viardot wrote operas, songs, and instrumental works, often drawing inspiration from the folk music of various countries. Her compositions are characterized by their lyrical beauty, rich harmonies, and a deep understanding of vocal technique.

Viardot’s opera Cendrillon (Cinderella) and her art songs are particularly well-regarded. In addition to her compositional work, Viardot was a central figure in the European cultural scene, maintaining friendships with leading artists and intellectuals such as Chopin, Berlioz, and George Sand. Her influence extended beyond her compositions, as she played a significant role in shaping 19th-century musical and cultural life.

#10 Louise Farrenc (1804–1875)

Louise Farrenc was a French composer, pianist, and professor, known for her symphonies, chamber music, and piano works. Born in Paris, Farrenc studied piano and composition with some of the leading musicians of her time, including Anton Reicha. She became a highly respected pianist and was appointed as a professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire, where she taught for over 30 years. Farrenc’s compositions were highly regarded during her lifetime, particularly her chamber music, which includes piano trios, string quartets, and the Nonet in E-flat major, which was widely praised and won her the prestigious Prix Chartier.

She also composed three symphonies that reflect her mastery of orchestration and form, as well as a strong Romantic sensibility. Despite the challenges of being a female composer in the 19th century, Farrenc’s works were performed by leading musicians of the day, and she gained considerable recognition in her lifetime. Her music is increasingly being revived and appreciated today for its craftsmanship and expressive depth.

#11 Florence Price (1887–1953)

Florence Price was an American composer, pianist, and organist, who broke barriers as the first African-American woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Price showed early musical talent and pursued formal studies at the New England Conservatory. Her Symphony No. 1 in E minor was premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933, marking a significant milestone in American music history.

Price’s compositions often incorporate elements of African-American spirituals, gospel music, and European classical traditions, creating a distinctive voice that resonates with both cultural heritage and technical sophistication. In addition to her symphonies, Price composed concertos, chamber music, piano pieces, and art songs. Despite facing significant racial and gender barriers, Price’s music gained recognition during her lifetime and is increasingly celebrated today. Her legacy as a pioneering African-American composer is an integral part of American music history.

#12 Joan Tower (b. 1938)

Joan Tower is an American composer, conductor, and one of the most prominent contemporary composers of her time. Born in New Rochelle, New York, Tower studied at Bennington College and Columbia University, where she was influenced by both modernist and traditional compositional techniques. Her music is known for its vibrant orchestration, rhythmic drive, and bold expressiveness. Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, composed in honor of women who take risks, has become one of her most performed works, symbolizing her commitment to promoting women in music.

Her other notable compositions include Silver Ladders, Made in America, and Sequoia, which showcase her mastery of large-scale orchestral writing. Tower has received numerous awards and honors, including a Grammy Award for Best Classical Contemporary Composition. As both a composer and educator, Tower has had a profound influence on contemporary classical music, and she continues to inspire and mentor younger generations of composers.

#13 Barbara Strozzi (1619–1677)

Barbara Strozzi was an Italian Baroque composer and singer, recognized as one of the most prolific female composers of secular vocal music in the 17th century. Born in Venice, Strozzi was the illegitimate daughter of the poet and librettist Giulio Strozzi, who ensured she received an excellent musical education. Strozzi’s compositions are primarily vocal works, including arias, cantatas, and madrigals, which were highly regarded for their emotional intensity, expressive melodies, and innovative use of harmony.

Her works often explore themes of love, longing, and sorrow, reflecting both the artistic and personal challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated society. Strozzi published eight volumes of music during her lifetime, a remarkable achievement for a woman of her time, and her works were performed in the intellectual and artistic circles of Venice. Today, her music is celebrated for its lyrical beauty and its significant contribution to the Baroque repertoire.

#14 Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901–1953)

Ruth Crawford Seeger was an American composer and one of the leading figures in the early 20th-century modernist movement in the United States. Born in East Liverpool, Ohio, Crawford studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and later became associated with the “ultra-modern” school of composers, including Henry Cowell and Charles Seeger, whom she later married. Crawford’s music is known for its innovative use of dissonance, serial techniques, and unconventional structures, as seen in her String Quartet 1931 and Three Songs for Voice, Oboe, Percussion, and Piano.

Her compositions often push the boundaries of traditional tonality and form, making her a pioneer of American modernism. In addition to her work as a composer, Crawford Seeger played a significant role in the American folk music revival, collecting, transcribing, and arranging folk songs alongside her husband. Although her compositional career was relatively short, Crawford Seeger’s works are now recognized as some of the most important contributions to 20th-century American music.

#15 Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (1665–1729)

Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre was a French harpsichordist and composer, considered one of the most important figures in French Baroque music. Born into a family of musicians in Paris, she was a child prodigy who performed for King Louis XIV at a young age, gaining his patronage. Jacquet de La Guerre was the first woman in France to compose an opera, Céphale et Procris, which was performed at the Académie Royale de Musique in 1694.

Her oeuvre includes cantatas, sonatas, and harpsichord pieces, all noted for their expressive melodies, complex counterpoint, and rich harmonies. Her keyboard suites, particularly the Pièces de clavecin, are among the finest examples of French Baroque music. Jacquet de La Guerre’s contributions to both secular and sacred music established her as a pioneering female composer in a male-dominated field. Her innovative compositions and virtuosity as a performer left a significant legacy in the history of music.

#16 Cécile Chaminade (1857–1944)

Cécile Chaminade was a French composer and pianist, widely recognized for her charming and accessible salon music that gained popularity in both Europe and the United States. Born in Paris, Chaminade demonstrated musical talent at a young age, studying privately with prominent teachers such as Félix Le Couppey and Benjamin Godard. She composed a large body of works, including piano pieces, songs, chamber music, and orchestral works, with her Concertstück for Piano and Orchestra being particularly notable.

Chaminade’s music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, elegant harmonies, and refined form, making it appealing to a broad audience. Despite the gender biases of her time, she achieved significant success, becoming the first female composer to receive the Légion d’Honneur in 1913. Her Scarf Dance and Flute Concertino remain popular pieces in the concert repertoire today. Chaminade’s ability to navigate the challenges of the male-dominated music world and her widespread popularity made her a significant figure in late 19th and early 20th-century music.

#17 Sofia Gubaidulina (b. 1931)

Sofia Gubaidulina is a Russian composer known for her deeply spiritual and experimental music, which often explores the relationship between sound, silence, and mysticism. Born in Chistopol, Tatarstan, Gubaidulina studied composition at the Kazan Conservatory and later at the Moscow Conservatory under Nikolai Peiko and Vissarion Shebalin. Her music is characterized by its use of unconventional instrumental techniques, microtonality, and symbolic structures, often reflecting her interest in religious and philosophical themes.

Some of her most celebrated works include Offertorium (a violin concerto), In croce for cello and organ, and Seven Words for cello, bayan, and strings. Gubaidulina’s compositions have been performed by major orchestras and soloists around the world, and she has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Praemium Imperiale. Her work has been a significant influence on contemporary music, particularly in the way it bridges the gap between traditional and avant-garde practices, making her one of the most important composers of her generation.

#18 Kaija Saariaho (b. 1952)

Kaija Saariaho is a Finnish composer known for her innovative use of spectral music and electronics, creating works that explore the interplay between timbre, texture, and form. Born in Helsinki, Saariaho studied at the Sibelius Academy before continuing her education in Germany and at the IRCAM institute in Paris, where she became associated with spectralism, a movement that focuses on the acoustic properties of sound. Saariaho’s music is characterized by its atmospheric quality, often creating immersive soundscapes that blur the lines between acoustic and electronic sounds.

Her opera L’Amour de loin (Love from Afar) has been widely acclaimed for its lyrical beauty and has been performed in major opera houses around the world. Other notable works include Graal théâtre (a violin concerto), Orion for orchestra, and NoaNoa for flute and electronics. Saariaho has received numerous awards, including the Grawemeyer Award and the Polar Music Prize. Her contributions to contemporary music, particularly her exploration of sound and texture, have made her one of the most influential composers of the 21st century.

#19 Victoria Bond (b. 1945)

Victoria Bond is an American composer, conductor, and educator, recognized for her dynamic compositions and her efforts to promote contemporary music. Born in Los Angeles, Bond studied at the University of Southern California and the Juilliard School, where she became the first woman to earn a doctorate in orchestral conducting. Her compositional style blends lyricism with modern techniques, often drawing inspiration from literature, history, and social issues.

Bond’s body of work includes operas, orchestral works, chamber music, and choral pieces, with notable compositions such as Clara (an opera based on the life of Clara Schumann), Ancient Keys (a piano concerto), and Ringing (for soprano and string quartet). In addition to her work as a composer, Bond has had a distinguished career as a conductor, leading major orchestras and opera companies around the world. She has also been an advocate for new music, founding the Cutting Edge Concerts New Music Festival in New York. Bond’s contributions to both composition and conducting have made her a significant figure in contemporary classical music.

#20 Grazyna Bacewicz (1909–1969)

Grazyna Bacewicz was a Polish composer and violinist, recognized for her prolific output and her contributions to mid-20th-century music. Born in Łódź, Poland, Bacewicz studied composition in Warsaw and Paris, where she was a student of Nadia Boulanger. Bacewicz was a virtuoso violinist, and her understanding of string instruments deeply influenced her compositional style, which often features driving rhythms, clear structures, and a strong sense of form.

Her works include seven symphonies, seven violin concertos, numerous chamber works, and solo pieces, with her Concerto for String Orchestra and Violin Concerto No. 4 standing out as significant achievements. Bacewicz’s music evolved over time, moving from neoclassicism to more modernist approaches, incorporating elements of Polish folk music and avant-garde techniques. She was one of the first female composers to gain international recognition in the 20th century, and her works continue to be performed and recorded by leading musicians worldwide. Bacewicz’s legacy is marked by her exceptional creativity and her ability to balance tradition with innovation.

#21 Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962)

Jennifer Higdon is an American composer, known for her accessible yet complex works that have garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Higdon began studying music relatively late, but she quickly developed a distinctive compositional voice characterized by its vibrant colors, rhythmic vitality, and emotional depth. Higdon’s music spans orchestral, chamber, and vocal genres, with her blue cathedral becoming one of the most performed contemporary orchestral works.

Her Violin Concerto, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2010, and Percussion Concerto, which won a Grammy Award, are both celebrated for their technical demands and expressive power. Higdon’s Cold Mountain, an opera based on Charles Frazier’s novel, has also been highly praised and performed in major opera houses. As a professor of composition at the Curtis Institute of Music, Higdon has influenced a new generation of composers. Her contributions to contemporary classical music, particularly in bringing modern orchestral music to a broad audience, have solidified her status as one of the leading composers of her time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first African-American woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra?

Florence Price was the first African-American woman to achieve this milestone with her Symphony No. 1 in E minor, premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933. Her work blends classical forms with African-American musical traditions, making a significant impact on American music history.

Which female composer was the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome?

Lili Boulanger was the first woman to win the Prix de Rome in 1913, known for her emotionally charged and innovative compositions. Her work, despite her short life, left a lasting influence on early 20th-century music.

Which female composer is recognized for her contributions to spectral music and has composed the opera L’Amour de loin?

Kaija Saariaho, a Finnish composer, is renowned for her work in spectral music and composed the critically acclaimed opera L’Amour de loin. Her music often explores the interplay of sound and texture, making her one of the leading composers of contemporary classical music.

Which composer was a pioneering figure in both the women’s suffrage movement and English opera?

Ethel Smyth was a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement and also made significant contributions to English opera, with works like The Wreckers. Her March of the Women became the anthem of the suffrage movement, highlighting her dual legacy as an activist and composer.