Debussy: Piano Works [Original recording remastered]

Claude Debussy (Composer), Alexis Weissenberg (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Alexis Weissenberg
• Composer: Claude Debussy
• Audio CD (June 13, 1995)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GNZ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,005 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #96 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Etudes

Editorial Reviews

WEISSENBERG ALEXIS DEBUSSY: CLAIR DE LUNE

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Refreshing Breath of Fresh Air, January 3, 2006

By 

Classicalfan "Classicalfan" (Reston, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Debussy: Piano Works (Audio CD)

I have heard and admired Rubinstein, Van Cliburn, Vasary, and Entremont playing some of these pieces, among others. Weissenberg plays them with a fresh approach to tempo and rubato. The rhythm is more heavily accentuated than in the other pianists' versions. In addition to several of the more well-known works of Debussy, Weissenberg chose to include "Etude No. IXI pour les Arpeges Composes" in this recording and he makes it into a hypnotic miniature fireworks display of his virtuosity.

The slower pieces, such as "Clair de lune," are played with sensitivity and tenderness, with Weissenberg bringing out the beauty of every note while never losing the forward momentum of the piece, gradually building its level of sound and intensity and then taking it back down; it's a magical performance.

The first three selections, "Pagodes," "La Soiree dans Grenade" and "Jardins sous la pluie" are exotic perfumed slices of musical heaven, with "Pagodes," especially, being exquisitely performed. The "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" and "L'Isle Joyeuse" are a scintillating cascades of notes, while "Serenade for the Doll" is absolutely charming. Although my sentimental favorite of the different versions of "La Plus que Lente" remains Rubinstein's 1970 recording, this one by Weissenberg is also wonderful; it's different, fresh, with a more pronounced rhythm in the faster passages that evokes the image of dancers in a ballroom.

Perhaps my favorite selection on this CD is "The Snow is Dancing," which Weissenberg plays in such a way that one can practically see the swirling snowflakes dancing in the air. Actually, all of the selections are beautiful small musical gems, played with elegance, grace, charm, and passion. This CD receives my highest recommendation.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hurtling tempos,woodpecker staccato, November 27, 2004

By 

James Walters (Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Debussy: Piano Works (Audio CD)

One of the most infamous discs of Debussy's piano works ever recorded,sealing Weissenberg's controversial reputation.The rather conservative Penguin Record Guide disliked it so much that they awarded no stars and said it was 'totally unacceptable artistically' and 'the most brutal account of Debussy ever committed to disc'.

That was back in the mid-eighties.Now,his approach seems like a breath of fresh air:woodpecker like staccato in the Passepied from the 'suite bergamasque'and swirling cascades of notes in a double expresso account of 'L'isle Joyeuse'.

Fast,hurtling tempos and disregard for the softer end of the spectrum are the norm in these performances but that is part of the pleasure in a peculiar sort of way as the charisma of the playing is inescapable.A quick comparison with a young glamorous french pianist in the same works,everything is more flat footed,less visceral.

While not quite in the same league as the Bach and Rachmaninov Weissenberg also recorded for DG at the end of his career,this is still worth getting to know!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Performances of delicacy, finesse and beauty., March 23, 2003

By 

Miles D. Moore (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Debussy: Piano Works (Audio CD)

This CD contains a goodly portion of favorite Debussy compositions: the Suite Bergamasque (including, of course, Clair de Lune), Children's Corner, Estampes and La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin. Those listeners used to the "Impressionistic" approach of Walter Gieseking may not at first like the crisper, harder-edged performances of Alexis Weissenberg, but Weissenberg's delicacy, finesse and strong musical intelligence should win over even the most persnickety connoisseurs. It's a lovely CD, perfect lazy-day listening, and at a very reasonable price.