Rebecca Clarke (1886 – 1979) was a composer and violist. She was born in Harrow and studied at both the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music.

Clarke was one of the first female professional orchestral players.

At the outbreak of World War Two she found herself stranded in the USA and settled permanently in New York City.

She is best known for her chamber music, much of which features the viola. Her best-known composition is probably the 1919 Sonata for Viola & Piano.

She composed Morpheus for viola and piano under the pseudonym “Anthony Trent”. Reviewers of the 1918 premiere praised the composition by the Male “Trent” and largely ignored the other works credited to Clarke!

In total Rebecca Clarke composed 52 songs, 11 choral works, 21 chamber pieces, the Piano Trio, and the Viola Sonata.

In 2000, the Rebecca Clarke Society was established to promote the study and performance of her music.

Sonata for Viola & Piano

Piano Trio

Morpheus

The Sealman