BIOGRAPHY
Amanda Maier grew up in Landskrona, Sweden, and studied violin and piano with her father. She began composition studies at age sixteen at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm.¹ In 1872, she was the first female to graduate from the school. Maier’s interest in composition grew as she continued her composition studies at the Leipzig Conservatory. Her primary composition instructor at the conservatory was Carl Reinecke. During her studies she also studied violin with Engelbert Rontgen, a former pupil of Ferdinand David.²

Maier quickly gained honor as both a performer and composer. She was the recipient of numerous composition awards, including one for her violin sonata. As her compositional fame grew, so too did her recognition as a violinist. Maier spent several years touring and performing in Europe before her marriage in 1880 to her violin teacher’s son, Julius Rontgen.³ 

As was typical for that time, a woman’s professional activities were limited after marriage. Maier’s performances of her works were restricted to small concerts at her home salon in Amsterdam. Maier still managed to make strong connections during this time, as her colleagues often performed at her home concerts. These colleagues included composers such as Johannes Brahms, Edvard Grieg, Clara Schumann, Ethel Smyth, and Elisabeth von Herzogenberg.⁴ 

Maier’s published works include her violin sonata, six short pieces for violin and piano, works for piano solo, a string quartet, and a one-movement violin concerto. Her unpublished works include works for piano, a string quartet, works for organ, solo violin pieces, and a several trios. Unfortunately, some of her compositions have been lost.⁵