Noemie Raymond & Zhenni Li-Cohen Rachmaninov & Clarke Dialogues (2 LP)

AAA Audiophile 180g Vinyl Double LP!
Mastered by René Laflamme at 2xHD on Nagra Equipment!
Cut All Analog by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering!
In this album cellist Noémie Raymond and pianist Zhenni Li-Cohen seamlessly unite two musical worlds through a dialogue between two musicians and two composers as they deliver deeply personal and expressive performances, immersing themselves in sonatas that have left a lasting imprint on their artistic journeys. The result is an intimate, heartfelt exploration of music's power to connect and inspire.
"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 begins with Rachmaninov's "Cello Sonata in G minor, Op.19", which he composed in his most productive creative phase alongside his famous "Piano Concerto No.2". The sonata, considered by some to be his most successful chamber music work, was dedicated by Rachmaninoff to Anatoly Brandukov, his best man and a celebrated Russian cellist who also premiered several works by Tchaikovsky. Brandukov inspired Rachmaninoff to infuse 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 took second place in a prestigious composition competition, Clarke's works were not celebrated and performed as much as those of her male colleagues due to social prejudice against women. It wasn't until the 1970's 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, which have had a lasting impact on their artistic careers. The result is an intimate, heartfelt exploration of the power of music that connects and inspires people.
For the sonically impressive double LP of 2xHD, the recording was mastered completely analogue (AAA), cut on the tube devices at Bernie Grundman Mastering and pressed on 180 gram heavy vinyl (33 rpm). "Dialogues" is undoubtedly a masterpiece among chamber music recordings!
The mastering by René Laflamme, one of the most sought-after sound engineers in the industry, took place using high-quality Nagra equipment. 2xHD, which he runs together with André Perry, the founder of the famous "Le Studio" in Québec, enjoys an excellent reputation and has rightly earned an exceptional status in the high-end world. Laflamme's unique skills in sound processing are appreciated by many important players in the industry: For example, he represents and advises sound pioneers such as Nagra or Kronos Audio.
"Miss Raymond and Miss Li-Cohen's noble performances of both sonatas ought to make this disc the first choice among modern recordings." - World Music Report
"Glorious is also a word that could be used to describe this recording. Noémie Raymond's sound is warm, rich, and expressive, with flawless intonation and a clear sense of melodic direction. Paired with Li-Cohen's virtuosity and elegant touch at the keyboard, the two exchange musical ideas seamlessly. They take the listener on a deeply satisfying journey through the sound worlds of Rachmaninov and Rebecca Clarke." - Chris Wolf, Classic 107

Features:

• AAA Audiophile
• 180g Vinyl
• Double LP
• 33rpm
• Recorded at Salle de concert du Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, Saint-Irénée, Quebec
• Sourced from First Generation Analog Recordings without Any Digital Corruption
• 2xHD Mastering on Nagra Equipment by René Laflamme
• Duplication from the Analog Master
• Cut All Analog by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering on Tube Cutting Equipment
• Made in Canada

Musicians:

• Noémie Raymond, cello
• Zhenni Li-Cohen, piano

Selections:

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Cello Sonata In G Minor Op.19
Side A
1. I. Lento (Allegro Moderato)
2. II. Allegro Scherzando
Side B
1. III. Andante
2. IV. Allegro Mosso
Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979)
Viola Sonata (Version For Cello And Piano)
Side C
1. I. Impetuoso (Poco Agitato)
2. II. Vivace
Side D
1. III. Adagio