Paul Marleyn, Stéphane Lemelin - Tenderness and Tragedy (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Great Dramatic Sonata for Cello and Piano Titus et Bérénice: I. Allegro moderato. Molto movimento (Titus's Uncertainty)
02. Great Dramatic Sonata for Cello and Piano Titus et Bérénice: II. Vivace (Berenice's Apartments)
03. Great Dramatic Sonata for Cello and Piano Titus et Bérénice: III. Lento, tristamente (Berenice Knows All)
04. Great Dramatic Sonata for Cello and Piano Titus et Bérénice: IV. Allegro molto movimento (The Dreadful Moment Approaches)
05. Andante espressivo for Cello and Piano
06. Variations in the form of a chaconne
07. Cello and Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 117: I. Allegro
08. Cello and Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 117: II. Andante
09. Cello and Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 117: III. Allegro vivo

“Tendresse et tragédie” brings together cellist Paul Marleyn and pianist Stéphane Lemelin in a program dedicated to three figures of French music from the Belle Époque: Rita Strohl, Fernand de la Tombelle, and Gabriel Fauré. Through these works for cello and piano, the two performers highlight a repertoire of great expressive richness, blending lyricism, dramatic intensity, and refinement, while breathing new life into little-known pieces, including the world premiere recording of Fernand de la Tombelle’s *Variations en forme de chaconne*.

Paul Marleyn is an internationally renowned Canadian cellist who performs as a soloist and chamber musician in North America, Europe, and Asia. A former principal cellist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, he is a professor at the University of Ottawa and the artistic director of several chamber music festivals. His career has been marked by numerous collaborations with leading artists and a rich discography devoted in particular to the French repertoire.

Stéphane Lemelin is one of Canada’s most renowned pianists, celebrated for the sensitivity, refinement, and integrity of his playing. A soloist, chamber musician, and educator, he teaches at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music and has a discography of more than twenty-five recordings, with a particular affinity for the French repertoire from Fauré to Debussy while also contributing to the rediscovery of many overlooked composers.