The music label Harmonia Mundi presents a remarkable new release:”Visiting Rachmaninoff: Chopin Variations & Romances”, an album that brings together the luminous voice of Julia Lezhneva and the refined touch of Alexander Melnikov, recorded on Rachmaninoff’s own piano at Villa Senar in Lucerne.

The programme is a profound homage to Sergei Rachmaninoff, illuminating two intimate aspects of his creative world: his Variations on a Theme of Chopin and a selection of Romances, lyrical jewels that reveal his deep emotional voice. Melnikov’s performance on the composer’s personal Steinway instrument adds a layer of historical authenticity, texture, and intimacy to the interpretations.

Julia Lezhneva’s crystalline tone and expressive sensitivity bring rare vocal finesse to these rarely recorded romances, blending seamlessly with Melnikov’s introspective and articulate piano work.