“She wrote largely for the flute, probably because both her brother and husband played and were students of Quantz…”
STUFF FOR NERDS
Bringing early music to life through comedic documentaries.
These documentaries feature the lives and works of lesser known women composers and are freely accessible online.
“King Louis XIV even had the final say in what music was printed in France.”
STORIES Episodes
STORIES are funded by Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation
THE MYSTERY OF ANNA BON
The daughter of professional musicians and a student at the famous Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, this young Italian female composer and multi-instrumentalist was well-positioned to perform and publish throughout Europe. The mystery component stems from Anna Bon’s unknown whereabouts from the year 1767 on. The segment explores the various theories behind her mysterious disappearance, including an alien abduction. (2023)
THE MYSTERY OF TEODORA GINÉS
With a musician shortage in the New World, Teodora was able to make her mark on Caribbean music as it is known today. However, there is little evidence surrounding the details of her life and work. This documentary, modeled after the 1990’s television show Unsolved Mysteries, explores the various possibilities that might explain this unlikely success story. (2023)
BELLE VAN ZUYLEN
Nicknamed “The Goddess of the Netherlands,” Belle van Zuylen achieved notoriety as an outspoken critic of the ruling classes. Having survived the French Revolution and a rebuff by Mozart, she reinvented herself as a composer of chamber music. (2023)
WILHELMINE VON BAYREUTH
Wilhelmine von Bayreuth was the beloved sister of Frederick the Great. She built palaces, performance halls (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and a university. She found solace through music, philosophy, and the kind of love only dogs can give.
GARSENDA AND THE TROBAIRITZ
The woman who made an indelible mark in 13th century France as chief patron of the arts: Garsenda, Countess of Forcalquier and Provence. While the men crusaded, the arts flourished at home thanks to the Trobairitz, an extraordinary group of women poets and composers.
SOR JUANA INÉS DE LE CRUZ
Sor Juana prevailed in becoming a respected philosopher and artist. She spoke against the abuses of the Spanish government and Catholic church, and elevated the indigenous people. This made for some powerful enemies.
BARBARA STROZZI
The Strozzi family was a rival of the Medicis. Following tales of drama, love affairs, and illegitimacy, we hear a performance of Barbara’s music by LM musicians.
ÉLISABETH JACQUET DE LA GUERRE
French composer Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre had a close relationship with Louis XIV of France during the time when Versailles was being built. Her story concludes with an example of her work - a violin sonata performed by LM musicians.
2024 - 2025 SEASON OF EPISODES
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