Debussy & Ravel: Piano Works - Samson Francois (6 CD's) [BOX SET]

Samson Francois (Artist), Claude Debussy (Artist), Maurice Ravel (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 2, 2004)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 6
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B0002RUAEM
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #122,350 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yesterday Francois would be celebrating his eighty-two anniversary , May 19, 2006

By	Hiram Gomez Pardo (Valencia, Venezuela) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Samson Francois figure has evidenced slow but increasing enhancement through the years. His notable pianism, aristocratic approach and refined phrasing are some of his virtues.

If you still do not know about this legendary artist, no it s the time for you to convince by yourself about the supreme level occupied by him.

When he left us in 1970 at his 46, he had so much to give. The musical world remained legitimately orphan and much more vile since his premature death.

But, fortunately his legacy will live among us, every time you listen any record you acquire of this peerless musician.

His Ravel is loaded not only of notable, sensual and asserive expressiveness. If you know about some other performance able to equal his Gaspard de la nuit, please, be my guest.

His Debussy is sober, eloquent with Impresionist flair and sublime musicality.

A true artistic and a fundamental treasure in your collection.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent playing, terrible audio from EMI, January 24, 2009

By	C. Stern "lincolnstern" (Chapel Hill, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The playing of Samson Francois and the music of Debussy and Ravel together are spectacular. However, the audio in this particular EMI box set is over-processed, resulting in a dry, unnatural sound. At first, it's not obvious (you'll be thinking, "wow, this is great music, and great playing!") -- but eventually, your ears will start to hurt. I can't give Samson + Ravel & Debussy anything less than 4 stars, but, really -- DON'T BUY THIS BOX SET. Get a different version of the same recordings. EMI clearly does this a lot, judging by the reviews of the Schnabel/Beethoven.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Ravel EVER., November 29, 2007

By	Ray E. Simmons III (Boston) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first heard Samson Francois play Ravel on an old phonograph record and
was amazed at his interpretation. When I bought this collection it became
one of my all time favorites. The emotion and feeling he puts into the
music along with his technical skill never cease to amaze me. The only down
side is the recording quality. It is a bit weak. I can overlook that with
the stellar performances. Buy this set and you will not be disappointed.