Customer Reviews

Debussy: Images I / Images II / Children's Corner / Suite Bergamasque / Deux Arabesques

5 star:		(2)
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I have never heard these pieces played better!!!! Claude Helffer is one of the most under-rated pianists ever. His performance of "Mouvement" was captivating. Golliwogs Cake-Walk was played with just enough humour(some of my recordings of the piece go overboard).The Arabesques were charming.His tempos taken for Suite Begamasque were just right. He has an excellent understanding of Debussy's style.

It is unfortunate that he didn't record the rest of Debussy's piano works.

To sum it up, I very strongly recommend buying this CD.

I happily agree with the previous reviewer. This one is the best set available.

Helffer chooses rather fast tempo and feather-light touch as Robert Casadesus, his masterful teacher, did.

However, it is far from the 'rush and hurry' approach by Thibaudet and over-softened Roge.

Moreover, Helffer intelligently uses rubato to keep his performance individual and creative which composer himself wanted from performer.

If you love the sets by Francois and Michelangeli but sometimes feel radical and eccentric or cold and too-much-calculated, give a chance to this late French giant on the 20th century's music. You'll be satisfied.