Rediscovering a Forgotten Voice

Johanna Magdalena Beyer stands among the relatively small number of composers to first write for the medium of percussion ensemble as it began its rise during the 1930s. Although her pioneering efforts remain significant to the history of the percussion ensemble, her percussion music has been completely overlooked for the most part, a forgotten voice. Very few of her works have ever been performed, most notably her works for percussion ensemble. Certain conclusions can be drawn about her percussion ensemble music through their analysis and comparison, however, a small amount is known about who she was. Beyer seemed to have been somewhat of a mystery to those who knew her, she led a lonely persona based upon the personal and artistic battles she undoubtedly ensued.