Charlotte Sohy

A once widely performed but later almost forgotten composer of the early 20th century, Charlotte Sohy wrote prolifically in various vocal and instrumental genres. Sohy studied with Vincent d'Indy, Alexandre Guilmant, Louis Vierne, and Mel Bonis. Sohy wrote large works, including the choral Poème, Op. 8; a Symphony in C sharp minor, "Grande guerre;" and an opera, L'Esclave couronnée. She also wrote short stories, a novel, and a memoir. Sohy was most popular in the years before and around World War I, and her works were performed by Ravel and Dukas. After that, her music was less often heard, but she remained active as a composer almost until the end of her life. Her grandson, François-Henry Labey, cataloged her music and organized the premiere of the Symphony in C sharp minor in 2019. In 2022, La Boîte à Pépites issued a box set of Sohy's compositions.