Fortissima reaches No. 1 in the German Classical Charts

With a powerful bang, Raphaela Gromes returns — and once again makes classical music history: her new double album Fortissima (Sony Classical) entered the German classical charts at number one in October. Following her acclaimed success Femmes (2023), Gromes achieves another coup in favor of exceptional yet forgotten female composers of the past.

Together with her piano partner Julian Riem and the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin conducted by Anna Rakitina, Raphaela Gromes continues her mission on Fortissima — to give long-overlooked women composers the stage they deserve. This time, she focuses on major works such as sonatas and cello concertos with orchestra, many of them world premiere recordings. Among these remarkable rediscoveries are a reconstructed ballade by Elisabeth Kuyper, the virtuosic concerto by Marie Jaëll — whose music once inspired Franz Liszt — and the nearly forgotten cello concerto by Maria Herz, recently brought to life in an impressively artistic music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miBdV0FX4UY

Fortissima is not only an artistic tour de force but also an editorial milestone: numerous works were newly edited and published for this recording by Henle, Furore, and Boosey & Hawkes.

The media response has been overwhelming. Critics are full of praise — Nele Freudenberger (WDR 3) was left speechless:
“Two and a half hours of music on two CDs that made my jaw drop! How could these works disappear into oblivion? I can’t understand it!”
Gabi Szarvas (SR Kultur) was deeply moved by the emotional depth and artistic brilliance:
“What a cello sound, what intensity! On Fortissima, Raphaela Gromes finally gives long-overdue recognition to women for whom composing was not a hobby but a profound necessity.”
And for Ecki Ramón Weber (concerti), one thing is certain: “These recordings are milestones.”

Alongside the album, Raphaela Gromes has released her first book, Fortissima! (Goldmann Verlag) — a literary companion offering biographies of these remarkable women and background stories to the works, interwoven with personal reflections and experiences. Together, the book and album form a unique artistic whole — an inspiring journey through a silenced musical history that proves diversity in repertoire and popular success can go hand in hand.

From October onward, Raphaela Gromes will bring Fortissima to the stage — in a captivating mix of concert and reading — as well as with numerous other exciting programs!