Noémi Raymond & Zhenni-Li Cohen – Dialogues / 2LP 2xHD

“Dialogues” explores the duality of two titanic masterpieces penned by a woman and a man, both virtuoso instrumentalists with strikingly different musical voices. The album opens with Rachmaninoff's “Cello Sonata in G minor,

Op. 19”, which he composed during his most productive period alongside his famous “Piano Concerto No. 2”. Considered by some to be his most successful chamber work, Rachmaninoff dedicated the sonata to Anatoly Brandukov,

his best man and a celebrated Russian cellist who also premiered several works by Tchaikovsky. Brandukov inspired Rachmaninoff to imbue the cello part with expressiveness and intensity. The album continues with Clarke's “Viola Sonata

(version for cello and piano)” from 1919. The internationally renowned violist Clarke is often considered a representative of “English Impressionism”. Although she won second place in a prestigious composition competition, Clarke's works

were not as celebrated and performed as those of her male colleagues due to social prejudices against women. It was not until the 1970s that Clarke made her breakthrough, and since then this sonata has taken its rightful place in the standard

repertoire for viola.

On “Dialogues”, cellist Noémie Raymond and pianist Zhenni Li-Cohen seamlessly connect these musical worlds. With their deeply personal and expressive performances, they immerse themselves in these wonderful sonatas that .

have had a lasting impact on their artistic careers. The result is an intimate, heartfelt exploration of the power of music to connect and inspire people.

For this sonically impressive 2xHD double LP, the original recording was specially mastered completely in analog (AAA), cut on tube equipment at Bernie Grundman Mastering and pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl (33 RPM).

“Dialogues” is undoubtedly a masterpiece among chamber music recordings!

René Laflamme, one of the most sought-after sound engineers in the industry, used high-quality Nagra equipment for the mastering. 2xHD, which he runs together with André Perry, founder of the famous “Le Studio” in Québec, enjoys

an excellent reputation and has rightly acquired an exceptional status in the high-end world. Laflamme's unique sound engineering skills are valued by many important players in the industry: for example, he represents and advises sound

pioneers such as Nagra and Kronos Audio.

Cello: Noémie Raymond
Piano: Zhenni Li-Cohen

Title

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943): Cello Sonata In G Minor Op. 19

Side A
1. I. Lento (Allegro Moderato)
2. II. Allegro Scherzando

Side B
3. III. Andante
4. IV. Allegro Mosso 

Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979): Viola Sonata (Version For Cello And Piano)

Side C
5. I. Impetuoso (Poco Agitato)
6. II. Vivace 

Side D
7. III. Adagio