Ballade in F minor vor viola and piano

Mina Nerenstein was born in London’s East End to Russian-Jewish immigrants from Belarus, who ran a Hebrew bookshop. After her father’s death in 1926, she studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music under William Alwyn. Her early works were performed in prominent venues, and included pieces like the Fantasie in C minor and Ballade in F minor.
In 1929, she left her studies to help in the family business and later married Barnett Samuel, giving up composing. During WWII, after her first marriage ended, she worked in a factory and eventually remarried. She resumed composing in 1975, encouraged by Justin Connolly. Her later works, such as a String Quartet, Symphony, and Cello Concerto, were performed by the BBC and recorded by NMC.
In 1999, the Royal Academy honored her with a 90th birthday concert. She passed away later that year. Read more...