Louis Lortie, a French-Canadian pianist, made his debut with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra at age thirteen and later toured Japan and China after performing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Recording & Production
This recording utilizes 24-bit / 96 kHz technology, which offers a dynamic range up to 48 dB greater and 256 times the resolution of standard 16-bit recordings.
Composer's Artistic Vision
In his Symphonic Dances, Rachmaninoff included a musical quotation from his Vespers (All-night Vigil), Op. 37 No. 9, writing 'ALLILUYA' in the score to emphasize his personal belief in Russian Orthodoxy.
Performer Biography
Hélène Mercier, a Montreal-born pianist, began her piano studies at age six and won top honors at Quebec and Canadian Music Competitions.
Composition History
Rachmaninoff composed his Symphonic Dances, his last work with an opus number, in 1940, using drafts from an abandoned 1914 ballet project called 'The Scythians'.
Instruments
The recording features two Fazioli Model F 278 grand pianos, specifically serial numbers 278 1554 and 278 2273, provided by Jaques Samuel Pianos, London.
Performer Biography
Hélène Mercier is a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, a prestigious French honor.
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