Alma Moodie enjoyed considerable success in Europe, inspiring several major 20th-century works. Two new podcasts and the publication of her letters reveal the extent of her influence. Breandáin O’Shea, who produced the podcasts, traces the Australian violinist’s career and examines why she is largely unknown today.

Alma Moodie
Alma Moodie photographed in 1927

Sometimes history overlooks important people; individuals who achieve incredible feats that don’t make it into the history books. Australian musician Alma Moodie (1898–1943) was one such person. The violinist was the inspiration for several major 20th-century works. Hans Pfitzner wrote a violin concerto for her, Max Reger dedicated a solo violin work to her, and other composers – among them Igor Stravinsky and Paul Hindemith – entrusted Moodie with the world premieres of their...