Hyde, Miriam 1913 - 2005
Author: Iida, Arisa
Last updated：March 1, 2008
Author: Iida, Arisa
In 19th-century European piano culture, there were individuals who were called "composer-pianists" and achieved brilliant success. Figures such as Liszt, Chopin, and Rubinstein captivated audiences by performing their own works, which demanded transcendental virtuosity. Although little known in Japan, Australia has artists who carried on this tradition of "composer-pianists" into the 20th century. This is largely related to the fact that, as an emerging nation adopting European musical culture, Australia adhered to a conservative, British-derived music education until the first half of the 20th century. Miriam Hyde is also one of those who inherited this tradition of "composer-pianists." Living through almost the entire 20th century, her music strongly retains 19th-century romanticism, presenting a virtuosic and brilliant style, along with rich descriptive and lyrical messages often found in character pieces. Her works are frequently performed in Australia, and her contributions to piano education continue to live on through the syllabus of the graded system she systematized.
CDs have been released by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Southern Cross label; particularly the latter (Southern Cross no. 1027) features her own performances of her works from her 80s, offering fresh and passionate interpretations.
Author : Australian Music Centre
Last Updated: January 1, 2010
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Author : Australian Music Centre
Born in Adelaide in 1913. After being educated by her mother, she studied under William Silver at the Elder Conservatorium. After obtaining her diploma, she received the South Australian Prize in 1928. She received a university scholarship and studied abroad for three years at the Royal College in London. In England, she studied piano with Arthur Benjamin and composition with Gordon Jacob. She won composition prizes three times and performed her two piano concertos with major London orchestras, including the BBC.
Returning to Adelaide, South Australia, in 1936, she composed numerous orchestral works for theatrical music, among which Fantasy on Waltzing Matilda became well-known.
Thereafter, seeking a broader scope of activity, she settled in Sydney and for many years was active as a composer, performer, educator, adjudicator, lecturer, and contributor to numerous music magazines. Her works include:
- Numerous piano pieces ranging from elementary to diploma levels
- Over 50 songs
- Chamber music
- Sonatas for viola, clarinet, and flute
- Orchestral works
She also served as a patron for various national organizations, such as music teachers' associations and composers' societies.
In 2002, in recognition of her long-standing contributions to Australian music, she was awarded the Classical Award by the Australian Music Centre. The award ceremony took place in a concert format at the Eugene Goossens Hall in Sydney on Hyde's 90th birthday in 2003.
She passed away in January 2005, shortly before her 92nd birthday.
Works(12)
Piano Solo
Various works (7)