Customer Reviews

Panorama: Claude Debussy

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Clocking in at more than two-and-a-half hours of music by Debussy, this is one of the best collections of his music that money can buy. It includes definitive performances of his most popular symphonic, chamber, and solo piano works. Michelangeli, for instance, is known for, above all, his interpretations of Debussy. Gramophone magazine says of these recordings "Michelangeli subjects each note to the last refinements of shading and places it with hairsbreadth precision." Throughout their mature careers, Rostropovich and Britten were frequent collaborators in the repertory for cello and piano, including this very work. (Britten dedicated his solo cello suites to Rostropovich.) The Melos' recording of Debussy's String Quartet is among the best available. Nearly forty years after it's initial release, von Karajan's 1965 recording of La Mer with the Berlin Phil has stood the test of time, repeatedly deleted and then added back to the DG catalogue. Though only in his mid-20s when he made this Debussy Afternoon of a Faun with the BSO, M.T.T. delivers a ravashing and colorful account. And so on. An excellent addition to the collection of either a classical music beginner or one with more refined aural tastes.

This collection offers a very representative mixture of Debussy's works from orchestral, solo piano and chamber genres. However, I would offer two caveats. First, as to the La Mer, the Karajan performance is distinguished by the sensuous sheen he imparts to the music, but for a tarter, more idiomatically French approach, I would suggest listening to the Munch-Boston or Casadesus recordings as well. Secondly, as to the Michelangeli performance of the Book One Preludes, although impeccably played, this is a noticably deliberate and cold sounding rendition. For more warmth, flow and color, look elsewhere. Nevertheless, this set is an excellent introduction to Debussy.

This is a wonderful Debussy compilation. The recordings total nearly 3 hours and give an excellent representation of Debussy's works. This is a great CD for people who do not have Debussy in their CD collection. Included in the CD are Debussy's "La Mer," "Préludes," and the masterpiece "Prélude á l'Aprés-midi d'un Faune." The CDs are perfect for putting on while taking a nap, reading, etc...