Elsa Barraine

Widely recognized in the period before World War II, composer Elsa Barraine is being slowly rediscovered as works by women receive new examination. Unlike some female composers of the early 20th century, she wrote large orchestral and choral works, including two symphonies and various tone poems, in addition to songs and chamber music. Barraine was also noted as an educator and a recording engineer. Recordings of her work have been rare, but the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln and conductor Elena Schwarz released an album of her orchestral pieces, including both symphonies, in 2025.