Lied Haga and Apekisheva deliver a remarkable performance of two powerful cello sonatas. César Franck (1822-1890) composed his violin sonata (later also published as a cello sonata) when he was 63 years old (1886). The sonata is one of his most famous works. Franck was among the foremost romantic composers in France and distinguished himself with his focus on instrumental music, at a time when opera was dominant. The organ was his instrument and workplace, which gave the music a sublime and otherworldly quality. For Lied Haga, Franck’s sonata is the ultimate masterpiece for cello and piano.
The composer and pianist Rita Strohl (1865-1941) is less well-known. However, her music has recently received increased interest. Strohl was a highly respected composer in her time, composing chamber music, symphonic and lyrical works, as well as a number of romances. Sandra was immediately captivated when she discovered the magnificent cello sonata by chance in 2019. The work, which is based on the story of Titus and Bèrènice, is romantic and dramatic, and very challenging to play as it spans the entire range of the cello.
Unfortunately, past female composers such as Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn lived in the shadow of their husbands and brothers. Music history has paid too little attention to Rita Strohl, who had no known male composers in her family. With this recording, Sandra Lied Haga aims to bring Rita Strohl as a composer to the fore and give her the recognition she deserves.
“Sandra’s tone is exquisite, rich, and extremely beautiful. Her playing is intelligent and deep-felt. This young lady surely is the future of cello playing.” – Maxim Vengerov
