Customer Reviews

Debussy: Complete Chamber Music

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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.

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.

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.

Sorry to disagree with some of the other reviewers, but I cannot give this CD the highest rating. The most important pieces here are the three sonatas, and for my taste they come across a bit heavy and rigid (as opposed to being light and flowing). The balance also seems to be off in these three pieces - in the violin and cello sonatas the piano is really more of an accompaniment, rather than an equal partner, but here it seems to be treated as an equal. In the sonata for harp, viola, and flute, the viola is given too much prominence, whereas as it should be flitting in the background and blending with the other instruments; indeed one should not be overly aware of the presence of the viola, even though it plays a crucial role in the rich tapestry of sound created here. It's one of Debussy's strokes of genius, but this imbalance lessens the effectiveness of this sonata, which should be full of air and light and magic. At least some of these problems may be attributed to the engineer. Why do these recordings seem so dry? The sonatas sound as if they were recorded in a closet. If you are looking for an introduction to Debussy's chamber music, the CD is fine, but if you want to experience the real thrill of his late, great sonatas, go for the Boston Symphony Players version. The balance and acoustics are far superior, and the musicians seem to have a better feel for the way this delicate music should flow.

I must say, this is a wonderful CD. The performers of the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society are top quality, and they play these difficult to interepet pieces beautifully. I encourage anyone to buy this, it includes some of his most amazing works (the sonatas, the string quartet, and others) there's something for everyone.

My original motivation to get this set was the second movement of Debussy's Piano Trio in G Major, 1879 (disc 3, track 6), a stunning, mold-breaking piece that I first discovered at a free noontime concert. The other pieces didn't seem at first to stand out quite like that one did, though the music was pleasant enough. Now though, after many listenings, with rests in between, I find this set perfect for my "Debussy" phases, when I don't feel like Baroque or chansons or world music, my usual favorites. When you are open to a particular kind of music in the right way, it really hits the spot. It is not too distracting to read by, and it throws you enough curve balls to hold your interest when listening more closely. I find the playing and coordination between the musicians impeccable. Like many sets, it's also very good value for the price. Highly recommended.

I was thrilled to get the chance to hear some of Debussy's rarely performed pieces here, such as En Blanc et Noir, the 6 Epigraphes Antiques, the Piano Trio in G Major, and Nocturne et Scherzo. All of the performances are excellent, and the three disks are nicely organized. Thank you, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center!

For old clarinetistslike me, hearing the first cut on this 3-CD set is probably enough to justify buying the whole package (which is priced below full price). Clarinetist David Shifrin and pianist Andre Watts turn in a sparkling performance of the delightful Première Rhapsodie that will steal your heart right away. For string players, the heart-stealing might be delayed a couple of cuts, but then Gary Hoffman on cello and David Golub on piano will get the job done with their performance of the Sonata for Cello and Piano, and many other delights await as well on this superbly recorded set.

In broad terms, the three disks are divided into sonatas (disk 1), ensembles (the String Quartet and Piano Trio being the major works on disk 2), and piano duets (disk 3). The three disks and a brief booklet discussing the booklet are packaged in a four-panel cardboard foldout; the packaging is my only gripe about the release, because the disks seem poorly protected. On the plus side, however, the whole package is slim and attractive, and will doubtless appeal to many folks more than a more substantial (and more bulky) package would.

It is hard to exaggerate how lovely both the music and the sound are on this release. French chamber music is one of the most pleasant genres in all of Western music, making this release a must-have for seasoned music lovers and novices alike.

This is the ultimate in musicianship and exploring the emotion of French Music. Truly a joy to listen too.