It is hard to imagine today that 200 years ago a female composer was unwelcome in public. Fanny Hensel was made aware of this several times by her brother Felix, her father and her husband - her Overture was even published under the name of her brother, who addressed her in letters as "liebste Fenchel" ("dearest fennel").

Louise Farrenc was the first female composer to be supported by her husband. In 1842, she was appointed the position of first professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire. Her 3rd Symphony, written shortly after, is a great success. It was rediscovered only a few years ago and is gaining a firmer place in the concert repertoire each year.