Betty Beath facts for kids
Betty Beath (born Elizabeth Margaret Eardley on November 19, 1932) is an amazing Australian composer, pianist, and music teacher. She has created many beautiful pieces of music and has helped many young musicians learn and grow.
Contents
Her Early Life and Music Journey
Betty Beath was born in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. She started playing the piano when she was just three years old! Even as a teenager, she was so good that she made it to the finals of the ABC Concerto competition twice. This is a big deal for young musicians!
In 1950, she won a special scholarship from the University of Queensland. This allowed her to study music with famous teachers like Frank Hutchens at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Max Olding and Janet Delpratt at the Queensland Conservatorium.
Working as a Musician and Teacher
After finishing her studies, Betty Beath moved to Brisbane. She worked as a piano accompanist (someone who plays piano for singers or other instruments) and later became a teacher at the Queensland Conservatorium. She even became the Head of Music at St. Margaret's Girls' School in Brisbane. She also helps decide how well music students are doing as an examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board.
In 1974, Betty received a special fellowship to travel and research music in Bali and Java, two islands in Indonesia. This trip greatly influenced her music. She is married to David Cox, who is an author and illustrator.
Betty Beath has also represented Australian women composers at international events. She was part of the International League of Women Composers, which helps support women who write music.
The State Library of Queensland has a special digital story and interview with Betty Beath. In it, she talks about her whole life in music, from when she was a child until recent times.
Her Famous Music
One of Betty Beath's most well-known pieces is a piano solo called "Merindu Bali." This means "Bali Yearning." She wrote it for an Indonesian pianist named Ananda Sukarlan. It was created to remember the people who were affected by the Bali bombings in 2002. The music uses a special five-note scale often heard in Balinese gamelan music, which is a traditional Indonesian orchestra. Many pianists around the world now play this beautiful piece.
What She Composes
Betty Beath often includes ideas and sounds from world music in her compositions, especially from Bali and Java. Here are some examples of her works:
Music for Orchestras
- Asmaradana (1994): This piece was played by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
- Journeys - an Indonesian Triptych (1994): This music was created for the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Dreams and Visions (1996): The Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed this piece.
- Woman's Song: Allegro Vivace for Strings (1999): This is a lively piece for string instruments.
- Lament for Kosovo: Adagio for Strings (1999): This is a slow, sad piece for string instruments.
Music for Soloists with Orchestras
- In This Garden (1973)
- Riddles (1974): This is a group of four songs for a singer and an orchestra.
- From a Quiet Place (1997): Three pieces for viola and piano.
- Heart Song (for solo cello): A piece for a single cello.
- Poverello: St. Francis of Assisi, a Saint for Our Times
Recordings of Her Music
Many of Betty Beath's musical works have been recorded and released on CDs. This means people all over the world can listen to and enjoy her compositions. Some of her recorded albums include 'Music of Betty Beath', 'Betty Beath, Journeys of the Mind', and 'Music in Bali and Java'.
