Debussy: Complete Chamber Music

Claude Debussy (Composer), Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
• Composer: Claude Debussy
• Audio CD (January 8, 2002)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Delos Records
• ASIN: B00004U2ZK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,105 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #79 in Music > Classical > Instruments > Reeds & Winds > Clarinet

Track Listings

1. Debussy Chamber Music

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Almost a century has passed since the premieres of Pelleas et Melisande and La mer, and Debussy's place as one of the greatest and most original composers in history is fully assured. Even so, the arrival of this extraordinarily fine complete survey of his chamber music, from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, is cause for celebration because it glorifies a part of his output that is too often overlooked. The works are nicely grouped on three CDs: the late (and great) works for mixed forces on disc one; the early works (including the String Quartet in G minor) on disc two; and the two-piano works (some early, some late) on disc three. The renditions, recorded between 1995 and 1999 in various venues in New York and Los Angeles, are excellent across the board, with wonderful work from clarinetist David Shifrin, the Society's artistic director, as well as regulars Ransom Wilson, Nancy Allen, Paul Neubauer, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Ani Kavafian. The legendary Lee Luvisi joins McDermott in the music for piano duet, and André Watts delivers a star turn as pianist in the Petite piece and Premiere rhapsodie for clarinet and piano. Among the highlights are a soulful Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp, and a marvelous realization of the Quartet in G minor from the Orion String Quartet. Delos provides outstanding recorded sound and makes this generous compilation available at less than $10 per disc. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB DEBUSSY, December 27, 2000

By 

MOVIE MAVEN (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Debussy: Complete Chamber Music (Audio CD)

What a terrific way to introduce yourself to the "smaller" works of Claude Debussy---or perhaps to re-introduce yourself. Here is every piece of chamber music this giant of the 20th century wrote and in memorable performances on three CD's & almost three full hours of gorgeous music. There are even some star performers in the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: pianist Andre Watts, flutist Ransom Wilson, harpist Nancy Allen to name just three. It's hard to choose favorites, but the "Premiere Rapsodie" for clarinet and piano & "Syrinx" for flute & the best version I've ever heard of the "String Quartet in G Minor" head my list. I have one minor quibble: I understand full well that music companies are now trying to help save our environment and, thus, trying to come up with new ways to package CD's in wrappings that are easily recyclable. But this flimsy, cardboard package from which one of more of the CD's is always slipping out, has simply got to be bettered.

34 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent collection, July 19, 2000

By 

F. Behrens "Frank Behrens" (Keene, NH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Debussy: Complete Chamber Music (Audio CD)

The Delos 3-CD set of <The Chamber Music of Claude Debussy, Complete> (DE 3167) is perhaps the second most beautiful compilation in my collection. For this not quite but nearly monumental collection, clarinetist David Shifrin acted as Artistic Director and gathered a small constellation of artists to participate: pianists Andre Watts, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Lee Luvisi; violinists Joseph Silverstein and Ani Kavafian; cellist Fred Sherry; and flutist Ransom Wilson.

Among the longer pieces are the Sonatas "for Cello and Piano," "for Flute, Viola and Harp," and "for Violin and Piano," the "String Quartet" and the "Piano Trio in G Major." the third CD is devoted to Debussy's piano music: "En blanc et Noir," "six epigraphes antiques," and "Petite Suite." There are also six shorter selections to round out the program. While most collection probably have all or most of these, I think at the special price with which this set is marketed, it would make a lovely addition, not to mention a terrific and thoughtful gift.

By the way, the most beautiful set I own is the now out of print 4-CD set on EMI of music by Rodrigo--in case you wondered.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Musical Impressionist, August 23, 2001

By 

Steven J. Bissell (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Debussy: Complete Chamber Music (Audio CD)

It is hard to know what to say about this 3 CD collection by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The performances are impeccable throughout. The music is wonderful. I feel as if I was able to wander for three hours through the impressionist section of Musee D'Orsey in Paris without the crowds to bother me. Chamber music is often relegated to categories of the "lesser works" by various composers. I have found that usually inaccurate in as much as this form is a sort of distillation of the ideas in the so-called "major works." For example the "Syrinx," composed in 1913, and played here by Ransom Wilson is such a familiar melody that you respond immediately, even if you wonder where you heard it before.

Debussy composed in a sort of transition period. Music was evolving from the rigors of the 19th Century into the less restrictive era of the 20th century. You can hear echoes of Jazz and other modern forms herein. I really recommend this collection.