Customer Reviews

Clair De Lune

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Entremont is one of those artists whose popularity came more as a curse than a blessing. Considered by some piano music lovers the Richard Clayderman of classical music, Entremont has been unjustly -- and stupidly -- relegated to the dull realm of piano music anthologies and theme albums. I admit that his playing is sometimes a little theatrical -- after all, Entremont is a virtuoso! You'll be tempted to look at the score. Do it: You'll be surprised at how thoroughly respectful he is of the original music. Don't let his originality deceive you: this man is not Liberace. An absolute highlight of this album is Entremont's interpretation of the Clair de Lune from the Suite Bergamasque. Entremont's technical perfection and intelligence turns this piece into a symphonic poem. You may have heard the Clair de Lune many times; you never heard it this way, though.

Phillipe Entremont is an excellent pianist and this CD is a perfect example of his talent. He performs these selections of Debussy with flawless precision, great sensitivity, grace, and emotional depth.

The performance of the Toccata is dazzling and the performances of Clair de Lune, Reflets dans L'eau, and Hommage a Rameau are among the best I have heard. There are selections on this CD where you can close your eyes and practically feel yourself floating to the stars as you listen to Entremont's moving interpretations of these compositions. The selections on this compilation are very well-chosen and entirely suitable for those seeking an introduction to Debussy's compositions for solo piano, containing a number of his most well-known works, or for those who have several other recordings of Debussy, but would like to have a well-chosen anthology of some of his solo piano compositions on one CD, as interpreted by a very fine pianist with his own distinguished style.

The clarity and dynamic range of these selections is excellent, especially considering that they were recorded in the early 1960's. In addition, the CD booklet has intelligent, well-written, and informative notes. This CD is a great bargain that is easily worth twice its price.

"It is my love for music that drives me to liberate it from certain sterile and restrictive traditions.It is a free, open-air art, a bubblingg spring, elemental like the wind, the sky or the sea.It must not become closed and academic" One of the things I miss most about music today is a primal element, a visceral approach. You can fell it in this excellent record.

For one who wants to discover Debussy's piano music, this is an excellent buy. However, Entremont's program is one of regularly played pieces: the images, suite bergamasque, etc. I was hoping to find some of the more obscure pieces as I am used from such a good performer as Entremont. All in all a very good buy.