Australian Studies Commons^™

Trafficking Modernities: Gender And Cultural Authority In The Case Of The Woman Organist, Lilian Frost, Jane Hunt

Jane Hunt

According to the local press, Frost as both soloist and accompanist on piano and organ was reported to exhibit a musical maturity beyond her years, and stamina considered unusual for a 'young lady', but clearly this was problematic. Jealous minded organists of the sterner sex are apt to say that ladies cannot play the organ; but the meritorious performance by Miss Frost dispels that illusion; for here is a lady who can play the organ. This appeared to provoke a shift in reportage on Frost's performances: whereas previously newspaper reports repeated an established complimentary four-lined riff, detailed reviews soon replaced …