Gemini Sonata

Composed for the Gemini Duo — violinist Jean-Frédéric Molard and pianist Jean-Noël Remiche — Gemini Sonata is a demanding and emotionally charged work, conceived with both virtuosity and introspection in mind.

Structured in three movements, the sonata balances expressive depth with rhythmic drive. The outer movements are characterized by an obsessive, panting energy — a relentless and almost mechanical pulse that propels the music forward with inexorable force. This sense of urgency and pressure gives the piece its dramatic intensity. In contrast, the central slow movement calls for great sensitivity and nuance from both performers. Here, time seems suspended, and the dialogue between violin and piano becomes more intimate and introspective.

Gemini Sonata explores the duality suggested by its title — between motion and stasis, brilliance and lyricism, precision and freedom. It is a technically formidable work that challenges performers with its rhythmic complexity and expressive demands, requiring both exactitude and emotional insight.

A recording of the piece was released in 2013 on the Pavane label as part of the CD Road Movies.