Dialogues seamlessly unites two musical worlds through a dialogue between two musicians and two composers. Cellist Noémie Raymond and pianist Zhenni Li-Cohen 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.

World Music Report review: “Miss Raymond and Miss Li-Cohen’s noble performances of both sonatas ought to make this disc the first choice among modern recordings.”

Chris Wolf, Classic 107: “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.”

Dialogues by cellist Noemie Raymond and pianist Zhenni Li-Cohen present two monumental works composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Rebecca Clarke. The album centers around a pair of sonatas that the performers hold dear. It seeks to bridge two universes in conversations between two instruments, two musicians, and two composers. The performers write, “it is a dialogue between you and us.”

This album explores the duality of two titanic masterpieces, from the pen of a woman and a man, both virtuoso instrumentalists with strikingly distinct musical voices. Dialogues begins with Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19, composed during his most prolific period alongside his famous Piano Concerto No. 2. The album continues with Clarke’s Viola Sonata (Version for Cello & Piano), composed in 1919.

Noémie Raymond, Cello
Zhenni Li-Cohen, Piano