Peter's Unsung Spheres

Fanny lived most of her life under a severe restriction - she was not permitted to publish. As a result she abandoned large scale works, which necessitated much work for little reward. However, her reputation as a composer can rest safely on her lieder, which are amongst the best ever. Felix could not compete with her and called her songs the most beautiful that mankind can create.

Other than that, she was of the top ten pianists in the world in an age that included Chopin, Liszt, Thalberg and Clara Schumann. She also took over the management of the in-house concerts at her home, where she trained and conducted her own choir. On top of all that she was renowned for her vast knowledge of all things to do with music and when she did make a rare public appearance for charity, she did so as Frau Professor.

For all of the above reasons, I still maintain that overall she was a great musician in spite of receiving a rebuff from the BBC when I suggested they commemorate the bicentenary of her birth in 2005.  

An example of how a woman of genius can shine through against all the odds only to be subsequently forgotten due to her sex. Her life reads like a novel. First, she taught herself the piano in a hostile environment. Eventually, her talent was spotted and, after lessons, she was admitted to the Conservatoire (rare in those days for a female), where she won a first prize in harmony. Then she was withdrawn to end a budding love affair and married to an older widower with five sons. After bearing three children herself is she able to return to producing music.  However, she also produces a lovechild.  set her back many years but at last she began to compose in earnest. At last, in her forties, she begins to receive some of the recognition she deserves but the Great War intervenes and by ite close music has moved on. She continues to compose wonderful music but she is forgotten and her life ends in obscurity.

Kirchner was much admired by Schumann as a young man but never fulfilled his full potential. Nevertheless, Wikipedia calls him a 'significant' German composer and I think this assessment correct. There is much that is good in his piano music, which is sadly neglected. He does go beyond Schumann and one can find the occasional Wagnerian harmonies.

Most pianist know Heller through his studies. I was brought up on The Art of Phrasing. This is in his own style, not copied from anyone else - maybe Schumann sounds a bit like Heller. Heller migrated to Paris, where he continued to do his own thing (but also bringing in income with salon music). Musicologists, engrossed by harmonic development, have ignred his structural originality. However, his influence can clearly be heard in Fauré.