Hello dear friends,

What does it mean to be a “superwoman” in music—then and now? In this episode, we travel from the finely tuned mechanics of 19th-century fortepianos to the bold visions of contemporary curators as we explore Superwomen—a newly launched festival in Basel by pianist and researcher Laura Granero and piano restorer Sebastian Bausch, the duo behind Klavieratelier Mignon 1904.

Together, we unfold a multi-sensory conversation, from salon culture to technological time capsules. Expect to meet the dazzling Fanny Davies—not only a pianist of Schumann’s inner circle but also a visual artist and chronicler of her musical world (hear her play Davidsbündlertänze here). We’ll also discuss diva, entrepreneur, and Rossini’s first wife Isabella Colbran (profile), whose fortune helped fund the composer’s comfort.

And yes, there were bread sculptures. The 19th-century salon scene was full of unexpected flourishes—often led by female artists who shaped cultural trends far beyond the concert hall. We dive into the curious tale of musical baking, the gender politics of programming, and the enduring influence of the salonnières.

Adding a present-day sparkle, we taste a bottle from Cava Hispania and raise a glass to Darina's second podcast, Why White Wine, celebrating the role of wine in collaboration and storytelling.

With fortepiano improvisations on John Field’s Nocturne No. 5 (performed by Laura Granero), reflections on feminist agency in curation, and a touch of irony, this episode invites you to rethink tradition with intelligence, warmth, and a generous pour.

🕰 Full time codes:
00:00 – Intro + Field Nocturne No. 5
03:19 – On artistic design choices
04:24 – What is Atelier 1904?
09:45 – Piano roll technology as time travel
14:05 – Who curated the concerts back then?
20:45 – What concert culture felt like in the 19th century
23:21 – Performing vs. hosting
27:30 – Inside the Superwomen Festival
41:34 – How to research female creators
47:30 – Sebastian on being a feminist in classical music
50:00 – Wine tasting on air: Cava Hispania + Why White Wine
54:14 – Tips for discovering women composers
Outro – Fanny Davies plays Schumann

💌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this inspired you to seek more hidden heroines of music history.

Contact me: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com

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