According to Sophia’s biography, dated 1823, she was “the only female composer of music of high reputation in the country”. In the golden years of the harp (1750-1850), she was in fact the only important woman composer. (The history of the harp, generally considered a “feminine” instrument, actually features only male names.) Sophia left a body of about 70 compositions, including original pieces, variations (principally of Scottish airs) and arrangements for harp, fortepiano, harp and fortepiano duo, and some rare arrangements for voice and harp or voice and guitar. It is reasonable to assume that Sophia began composing as a child, encouraged by her father. The sonata for fortepiano was presumably composed when she was 15, and the six sonatas for harp op. 2 (books 1 and 2) when she was between 16 and 19. Both volumes are dedicated to a Miss Hadsley, and on the frontispiece rose branches decorate the words “with Scots Airs and Reels, for the Adagios & Rondos”. It should be pointed out, however, that only the second volume includes movements with indications that confirm this rubric. The first volume of sonatas is the only one still in print and performed today, although it was for many years erroneously attributed to Jan Ladslav. The frontispiece of the first edition of 1794 by Corri & Co. claims the works are “by Madame Dussek”, but the Parisian edition by Pleyer of 1797, which simply stated “Dussek”, was more popular, was reprinted by Schott in the 20th century and was made famous by Nicanor Zabaleta. The beauty of the music itself led to the attribution to Jan Ladislav rather than to Sophia, who was undoubtedly the author. Already in these first sonatas one can find the typical characteristics of her music: the brilliance and freshness of her writing, the originality of many passages, and a great sense of proportion which insures that no theme—even the least original—wearies the listener. There is no evidence of presumption, vanity or desire for grandeur on the part of Sophia; there instead emerges a desire to sing and make music simply and sincerely, and this humility deserves our admiration.