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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Marvelous Playing from Thibaudet, January 24, 2010
This review is from: Jean-Yves Thibaudet ~ Debussy - complete piano works, vol. 1 (Audio CD)
After growing up listening to the classic, but dated Debussy recordings by Walter Gieseking and Maurizio Pollini, I had longed for a modern interpretation of these works with current recording technology and a young pianist. These desires were manifested in this collection of Debussy's piano works, as performed by Jean-Yves Thibaudet. From an interpretation perspective, the quality that struck most convincing was that of Thibaudet's ability to create an authentic "impressionistic" atmosphere. While his finger dexterity is flawless and each note is audible, Thibaudet's blend of musical color and controlled pedaling truly create music. Every piece presented here falls on the ear as if it had never been heard before. These are truly the "great" recordings of Debussy's music of the current generation. The Preludes are played with such finesse and attention to detail. "L'isle joyeuse" is particularly wonderful. I highly recommend this recording; it's just wonderful to have the combination of first-rate Decca sound and a world-class artist.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Thibaudet's Debussy, September 9, 2008
This review is from: Jean-Yves Thibaudet ~ Debussy - complete piano works, vol. 1 (Audio CD)
Thibaudet's performances of the Debussy Preludes (all 24) is remarkable. For those already familiar with his work, this is not surprising. For newbies, you should give him a listen.
Thibaudet's expressiveness is breathtaking because he makes use of a wide dymanic palette, from hushed pianissimos (very soft tones) to masculine fortissimos (very loud tones). Debussy's octaves ring out with crystal clarity, his lush chords sparkle with all the color a good Steinway has to offer, and his single note passages are always clear and well-shaped. Thibaudet clearly understands Debussy, and his phrasing is exceptional.
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS ALBUM (along with a similar by Krystian Zimerman, though it does have occasional background sounds--of the creaking bench and of Zimerman's heavy breathing). The Thibaudet set includes three CD's, by the way, so that you get other Debussy works besides the Preludes.
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11 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superior recordings and performances, September 17, 2005
This review is from: Jean-Yves Thibaudet ~ Debussy - complete piano works, vol. 1 (Audio CD)
The Penguin Guide to CDs and DVDs has Thibaudet's sets of the complete Debussy solo piano music at the top of the digital recordings, and this is certainly high quality.
We have several recordings of the Preludes and some other works, but there is nothing to come close to Thibaudet for great performances and superior recording quality.
The liner notes are very helpful, and in the first set you get different articles in English, French, German and Italian. Great if you are multilingual, but only of marginal interest to me. The second set has one article and translations, not separate articles.
Well worth purchasing.
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