Johanna Senfter (1879-1961)

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Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

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2024

Retreat

20240306

Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore the series of setbacks which led to Johanna Senfter retreating from public life to the security of her family home

If you know the name Johanna Senfter, it is probably in connection with her teacher, the composer, Max Reger. Senfter won the Arthur Nikisch prize for composition in 1910, and went on to be one of the most prolific of all late-Romantic female composers, writing at least 150 works, yet she has all but disappeared from our history books. In between the two World Wars she was very active within the world of music too, founding the Oppenheim Music Society, organising her own concert series and founding the Oppenheim Bach Society. However, her personal life is shrouded in mystery with little information published about either her biography, or her music, and there are substantial gaps in her story when we know nothing about Senfter. Unsurprisingly then, there are also questions hanging over certain elements of her personal life, and her political allegiances. Over the course of this week, Kate Molleson is joined by Professor Natasha Loges to explore the life of Johanna Senfter. They also examine the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Germany in which Senfter was working, and speculate on the reasons for her anonymity today.

In Wednesday's episode, Kate and Natasha explore the series of devastating setbacks which led to Johanna Senfter retreating from public life back to the security of her family home in Oppenheim.

Suite for 2 violins op 91/2 I. Allemande

Friedemann Eichhorn, violin

Alexia Eichhorn, violin

5 pieces for Viola and piano, op.76 – no. 5

Roland Glassl, viola

Oliver Triendl, piano

Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.90 – III. Ziemlich lebhaft

BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Andrew Zolinsky, piano

Jonathan Bloxham, conductor

6 Little Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op13 - no. 3 Elegie

Setareh Najfar-Nahvi, violin

Theresia Schumancher, piano

Sonata for Cello and Piano in E flat major, Op.79 – II. Lebhaft

Michael Gareis, cello

Reimar Ulrich, piano

Clarinet Sonata – III. Gemachlich

Stephan Landgrebe, clarinet

Exploring the series of setbacks which led to Senfter retreating from public life.

2024

The Senfter Millions

20240304

Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore Johanna Senfter's early life as a member of a very prosperous family in provincial Germany.

In Monday's episode, Kate and Natasha explore Johanna Senfter's early life as a member of a very prosperous family in provincial Germany. The family's financial position earned them the nickname ‘Senfter Millions'.

Suite for 2 violins no 2 - Menuet

Friedemann Eichhorn, violin

Alexia Eichhorn, violin

Symphony no 4 - II. Sehr ruhig

Jenaer Philharmonie

Othmar Mäga, conductor

Drei Klavierstucke, op.77

Monica Gutman, piano

Violin Sonata in G minor, Op.32 – IV. Lebhaft

Paul Rivinius, piano

Trio for clarinet, horn and piano - III. Ziemlich bewegt

Matthew Hunt, clarinet

Olivier Darbellay, horn

Oliver Triendl, piano

Exploring Johanna Senfter's very prosperous early family life in provincial Germany.

2024

Finding A Champion

20240305

Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore Johanna Senfter's years of study with Max Reger in Leipzig.

In Tuesday's episode, Kate and Natasha explore Johanna Senfter's years of study with the composer Max Reger in Leipzig. The pair would become good friends, and Reger would prove to be a champion of Senfter's burgeoning talent, and early music. Kate and Natasha also discover how a tragic loss for the composer at this time in her life may actually may have helped Senfter on her journey to become a composer.

Vogelweise

Monica Gutman, piano

Clarinet Quintet – II. Slowly

Killian Herald, clarinet

Armida Quartett

Symphony no 4 - III. Rasch

Jenaer Philharmonie

Othmar Mäga, conductor

Viola Sonata no 1 in F minor, op.41 – III. Sehr ruhig

Roland Glassl, viola

Oliver Triendl, piano

Chorale Preludes, Op.70 - Nos 4, 2 & 9

Sonata for Cello in A Major, Op. 10 – IV. Allegro poco vivace

Thomas Blees, cello

Maria Bergmann, piano

Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore Johanna Senfter's years of study with the composer Max Reger in Leipzig.

2024

Productivity

20240307

Johanna Senfter emerges from her self-imposed exile from public life, and it proves to be the most productive period of her entire career.

In Thursday's episode, Kate and Natasha explore the circumstances which led to Johanna Senfter emerging from her self-imposed exile from public life, to become a pivotal figure in the reviving of musical life in post World War I provincial Germany. It also proved to be, probably, the most productive period of Senfter's life, both in terms of performances of her works across Germany and further afield and in terms of composition of new music.

Drei Klavierstucke op.83, no.1 Gemachlich

Monica Gutman, piano

Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major, Op.26 – IV. Gemachlich

Friedemann Eichhorn, violin

Paul Rivinius, piano

Concerto in C minor for Two Violins and Orchestra, op.40

Aleksandra Maslovaric, violin

Katarina Aleksic, violin

Budapest Symphony Orchestra

5 pieces for Viola and Piano, Op.76 – Weihnachten. In ruhiger Bewegung

Roland Glassl, viola

Oliver Triendl, piano

Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.90 - I. Lebhaft bewegt

BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Andrew Zolinsky, piano

Jonathan Bloxham, conductor

2024

05 LAST

World War Ii

20240308

Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore the serious effects on Johanna Senfter's career caused by the run-up to, and aftermath of, the Second World War.

In Friday's episode, Kate and Natasha discuss the serious effects on musical life in Germany caused by the run-up to the Second World War, and explore Johanna Senfter's second retreat from the public and the bitterness that she felt towards the end of her life due to her music's reception. Kate and Natasha also address the accusations which were made about the seemingly apolitical Senfter's music by the German Communist party and the impact of those on performances of Senfter's works.

Suite for 2 violins no. 1 – Courante

Friedemann Eichhorn, violin

Alexia Eichhorn, violin

Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.90 - II. Sehr ruhig

BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Andrew Zolinsky, piano

Jonathan Bloxham, conductor

Symphony 4 – I. Gemassigt

Jenaer Philharmonie

Othmar Mäga, conductor

Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet in B, Op. 119 – III. Funny

Ernesto Molinari, clarinet

Brenton Langbein, violin

Andreas Pfenninger, violin

Nicolas Corti, viola

Raffaele Altwegg, cello

6 Little Pieces, for violin and piano - No 1 Melodie

Setareh Najfar-Nahvi, violin

Theresia Schumacher, piano

Mazurka: Allegretto

Monica Gutman, piano

Senfter's career is seriously affected by World War II.

Episodes

Series	Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Comments
2024		Retreat	20240306	Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore the series of setbacks which led to Johanna Senfter retreating from public life to the security of her family home If you know the name Johanna Senfter, it is probably in connection with her teacher, the composer, Max Reger. Senfter won the Arthur Nikisch prize for composition in 1910, and went on to be one of the most prolific of all late-Romantic female composers, writing at least 150 works, yet she has all but disappeared from our history books. In between the two World Wars she was very active within the world of music too, founding the Oppenheim Music Society, organising her own concert series and founding the Oppenheim Bach Society. However, her personal life is shrouded in mystery with little information published about either her biography, or her music, and there are substantial gaps in her story when we know nothing about Senfter. Unsurprisingly then, there are also questions hanging over certain elements of her personal life, and her political allegiances. Over the course of this week, Kate Molleson is joined by Professor Natasha Loges to explore the life of Johanna Senfter. They also examine the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Germany in which Senfter was working, and speculate on the reasons for her anonymity today. In Wednesday's episode, Kate and Natasha explore the series of devastating setbacks which led to Johanna Senfter retreating from public life back to the security of her family home in Oppenheim. Suite for 2 violins op 91/2 I. Allemande Friedemann Eichhorn, violin Alexia Eichhorn, violin 5 pieces for Viola and piano, op.76 – no. 5 Roland Glassl, viola Oliver Triendl, piano Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.90 – III. Ziemlich lebhaft BBC National Orchestra of Wales Andrew Zolinsky, piano Jonathan Bloxham, conductor 6 Little Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op13 - no. 3 Elegie Setareh Najfar-Nahvi, violin Theresia Schumancher, piano Sonata for Cello and Piano in E flat major, Op.79 – II. Lebhaft Michael Gareis, cello Reimar Ulrich, piano Clarinet Sonata – III. Gemachlich Stephan Landgrebe, clarinet Exploring the series of setbacks which led to Senfter retreating from public life.
2024	01	The Senfter Millions	20240304	Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore Johanna Senfter's early life as a member of a very prosperous family in provincial Germany. If you know the name Johanna Senfter, it is probably in connection with her teacher, the composer, Max Reger. Senfter won the Arthur Nikisch prize for composition in 1910, and went on to be one of the most prolific of all late-Romantic female composers, writing at least 150 works, yet she has all but disappeared from our history books. In between the two World Wars she was very active within the world of music too, founding the Oppenheim Music Society, organising her own concert series and founding the Oppenheim Bach Society. However, her personal life is shrouded in mystery with little information published about either her biography, or her music, and there are substantial gaps in her story when we know nothing about Senfter. Unsurprisingly then, there are also questions hanging over certain elements of her personal life, and her political allegiances. Over the course of this week, Kate Molleson is joined by Professor Natasha Loges to explore the life of Johanna Senfter. They also examine the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Germany in which Senfter was working, and speculate on the reasons for her anonymity today. In Monday's episode, Kate and Natasha explore Johanna Senfter's early life as a member of a very prosperous family in provincial Germany. The family's financial position earned them the nickname ‘Senfter Millions'. Suite for 2 violins no 2 - Menuet Friedemann Eichhorn, violin Alexia Eichhorn, violin Symphony no 4 - II. Sehr ruhig Jenaer Philharmonie Othmar Mäga, conductor Drei Klavierstucke, op.77 Monica Gutman, piano Violin Sonata in G minor, Op.32 – IV. Lebhaft Paul Rivinius, piano Trio for clarinet, horn and piano - III. Ziemlich bewegt Matthew Hunt, clarinet Olivier Darbellay, horn Oliver Triendl, piano Exploring Johanna Senfter's very prosperous early family life in provincial Germany.
2024	02	Finding A Champion	20240305	Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore Johanna Senfter's years of study with Max Reger in Leipzig. If you know the name Johanna Senfter, it is probably in connection with her teacher, the composer, Max Reger. Senfter won the Arthur Nikisch prize for composition in 1910, and went on to be one of the most prolific of all late-Romantic female composers, writing at least 150 works, yet she has all but disappeared from our history books. In between the two World Wars she was very active within the world of music too, founding the Oppenheim Music Society, organising her own concert series and founding the Oppenheim Bach Society. However, her personal life is shrouded in mystery with little information published about either her biography, or her music, and there are substantial gaps in her story when we know nothing about Senfter. Unsurprisingly then, there are also questions hanging over certain elements of her personal life, and her political allegiances. Over the course of this week, Kate Molleson is joined by Professor Natasha Loges to explore the life of Johanna Senfter. They also examine the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Germany in which Senfter was working, and speculate on the reasons for her anonymity today. In Tuesday's episode, Kate and Natasha explore Johanna Senfter's years of study with the composer Max Reger in Leipzig. The pair would become good friends, and Reger would prove to be a champion of Senfter's burgeoning talent, and early music. Kate and Natasha also discover how a tragic loss for the composer at this time in her life may actually may have helped Senfter on her journey to become a composer. Vogelweise Monica Gutman, piano Clarinet Quintet – II. Slowly Killian Herald, clarinet Armida Quartett Symphony no 4 - III. Rasch Jenaer Philharmonie Othmar Mäga, conductor Viola Sonata no 1 in F minor, op.41 – III. Sehr ruhig Roland Glassl, viola Oliver Triendl, piano Chorale Preludes, Op.70 - Nos 4, 2 & 9 Sonata for Cello in A Major, Op. 10 – IV. Allegro poco vivace Thomas Blees, cello Maria Bergmann, piano Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore Johanna Senfter's years of study with the composer Max Reger in Leipzig.
2024	04	Productivity	20240307	Johanna Senfter emerges from her self-imposed exile from public life, and it proves to be the most productive period of her entire career. If you know the name Johanna Senfter, it is probably in connection with her teacher, the composer, Max Reger. Senfter won the Arthur Nikisch prize for composition in 1910, and went on to be one of the most prolific of all late-Romantic female composers, writing at least 150 works, yet she has all but disappeared from our history books. In between the two World Wars she was very active within the world of music too, founding the Oppenheim Music Society, organising her own concert series and founding the Oppenheim Bach Society. However, her personal life is shrouded in mystery with little information published about either her biography, or her music, and there are substantial gaps in her story when we know nothing about Senfter. Unsurprisingly then, there are also questions hanging over certain elements of her personal life, and her political allegiances. Over the course of this week, Kate Molleson is joined by Professor Natasha Loges to explore the life of Johanna Senfter. They also examine the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Germany in which Senfter was working, and speculate on the reasons for her anonymity today. In Thursday's episode, Kate and Natasha explore the circumstances which led to Johanna Senfter emerging from her self-imposed exile from public life, to become a pivotal figure in the reviving of musical life in post World War I provincial Germany. It also proved to be, probably, the most productive period of Senfter's life, both in terms of performances of her works across Germany and further afield and in terms of composition of new music. Drei Klavierstucke op.83, no.1 Gemachlich Monica Gutman, piano Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major, Op.26 – IV. Gemachlich Friedemann Eichhorn, violin Paul Rivinius, piano Concerto in C minor for Two Violins and Orchestra, op.40 Aleksandra Maslovaric, violin Katarina Aleksic, violin Budapest Symphony Orchestra 5 pieces for Viola and Piano, Op.76 – Weihnachten. In ruhiger Bewegung Roland Glassl, viola Oliver Triendl, piano Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.90 - I. Lebhaft bewegt BBC National Orchestra of Wales Andrew Zolinsky, piano Jonathan Bloxham, conductor
2024	05 LAST	World War Ii	20240308	Kate Molleson and Natasha Loges explore the serious effects on Johanna Senfter's career caused by the run-up to, and aftermath of, the Second World War. If you know the name Johanna Senfter, it is probably in connection with her teacher, the composer, Max Reger. Senfter won the Arthur Nikisch prize for composition in 1910, and went on to be one of the most prolific of all late-Romantic female composers, writing at least 150 works, yet she has all but disappeared from our history books. In between the two World Wars she was very active within the world of music too, founding the Oppenheim Music Society, organising her own concert series and founding the Oppenheim Bach Society. However, her personal life is shrouded in mystery with little information published about either her biography, or her music, and there are substantial gaps in her story when we know nothing about Senfter. Unsurprisingly then, there are also questions hanging over certain elements of her personal life, and her political allegiances. Over the course of this week, Kate Molleson is joined by Professor Natasha Loges to explore the life of Johanna Senfter. They also examine the tumultuous world of early 20th-century Germany in which Senfter was working, and speculate on the reasons for her anonymity today. In Friday's episode, Kate and Natasha discuss the serious effects on musical life in Germany caused by the run-up to the Second World War, and explore Johanna Senfter's second retreat from the public and the bitterness that she felt towards the end of her life due to her music's reception. Kate and Natasha also address the accusations which were made about the seemingly apolitical Senfter's music by the German Communist party and the impact of those on performances of Senfter's works. Suite for 2 violins no. 1 – Courante Friedemann Eichhorn, violin Alexia Eichhorn, violin Piano Concerto in G minor, Op.90 - II. Sehr ruhig BBC National Orchestra of Wales Andrew Zolinsky, piano Jonathan Bloxham, conductor Symphony 4 – I. Gemassigt Jenaer Philharmonie Othmar Mäga, conductor Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet in B, Op. 119 – III. Funny Ernesto Molinari, clarinet Brenton Langbein, violin Andreas Pfenninger, violin Nicolas Corti, viola Raffaele Altwegg, cello 6 Little Pieces, for violin and piano - No 1 Melodie Setareh Najfar-Nahvi, violin Theresia Schumacher, piano Mazurka: Allegretto Monica Gutman, piano Senfter's career is seriously affected by World War II.