“Upheaval” is an exceptional project in several aspects. First, it presents four compositions for cello and piano written by female composers from the first part of the 20th century, challenging the cultural norms of the day and secondly, the title “Upheaval”, also refers to the tumultuous period around the First World War. The works featured on this recording are Henriëtte Bosmans’s Sonata for Cello and Piano (1919), Dora Pejačević’s Sonata for Cello and Piano (1913), Nadia Boulanger’s Trois Pièces (1914), and Lili Boulanger’s Nocturne (1911), were all written over an eight-year period in France, the Netherlands, and Croatia. Henriëtte Bosmans was one of Holland’s greatest pianists, and a composer of great distinction as her sweeping, early Cello Sonata proves. Countess Maria Theodora Paulina (Dora) Pejačević is rightfully considered the matriarch of Croatian composers. Her Cello Sonata, op.35, embodies late romanticism, with influences of Mendelssohn, Brahms and Dvořák particularly evident. The programme concludes with works from two amazing sisters: Nadia (1887–1979) and Lili Boulanger (1893–1918). Both were pioneers in their fields (Lili was the first woman to win the coveted Prix de Rome, and Nadia, for teaching about every major post-war composer) and were for many years, two of the best-known women in music in the twentieth century.

The artists, the husband-and-wife cello/piano duo of Janne Fredens (cello) and Søren Rastogi (piano) approach this programme with a sense of profound commitment and mission, recognising that their performances of such unfamiliar repertoire may well serve as a benchmark for future artists. Both are active soloists and teach at the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus. The chosen instrument for the recording is the Bechstein Grand Piano to match the beautiful tone of Janne’s cello, and to give an impression of the periods piano sound.

This is a highly recommended recording for fans of unfamiliar chamber music, advocates for women composers and those who just love to hear glorious music played by great musicians with passion and commitment.