Claude Debussy: Préludes, Book 1

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Though he is without a doubt one of the mad genius pianists of the century, Michelangeli's reputation is sustained essentially by two recordings (or groups of recordings): his Rachmaninoff and Ravel piano concerto disc on EMI, and his Debussy series for DG. Renowned for his fanatical keyboard control and crystalline tone, his interpretations of Beethoven and Mozart often seemed inhuman in their steely precision. But in Debussy, he found a composer whose acute sensitivity to detail and phenomenal ear for the coloristic possibilities of the piano really matched his own artistic philosophy. This recording simply blew the critics away when it came out in 1978, and it hasn't aged a bit. A classic. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Preludes, Book One: The Girl with the Flaxen Hair
Two Nocturnes: Fetes
Preludes, Book One: The Sunken Cathedral
Suite Bergamasque: Claire de lune
Children's Corner Suite: Golliwogg's Cake-Walk
Reverie
Iberia: Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete
Deux Arabesques: Arabesque No. 1: Andante Con Motto
Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Prelude To The Council Of The False gods
String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: Scherzo. Assex Vif Et Bien Rythme
La Mer: I. De L'aube A Midi Sur La Mer
La Mer: II. Jeux De Vagues
La Mer: III. Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer

Customer Reviews:

Probably the best compilation of a single composer's works. Ever!.......2007-05-06

Claude Debussy is perhaps the most understated composer in the history of man. His ability to compose both on the piano and for orchestra is unmatched, in my humble opinion. The fact that Debussy was able to also arrange many contemporary and previous composers' works just adds to his resume. He had a gift, pure and simple.

Although this album doesn't (well, honestly it couldn't) contain all of Debussy's catalog, it does certainly contain some of his best work. There is actually only one track on this CD that I don't care for; that would be Golligwogg's Cake-Walk; it is just a bit annoying to me.

Beyond my dislike for that one track, the entire CD is a beautifully aranged, beautifully played, well recorded compilation with good sound mixing and it is a respectful tribute to a truly great composer.

"Claire de Lune" (Moonlighting) is perhaps one of the most gorgeous pieces of music ever composed; this is the orchestrated version, which I prefer, but the piano version is nice. "Arabesque No. 1" is superb. "Fetes" is both haunting and airy. "Reverie" is the best piano piece I have ever heard. "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is also a wonderful piano piece. "The Sunken Cathedral" is dark and mysterious, a true wonder.

The rest of the album is fantastic. Listed above are just my personal favorites from the disc. I listen to this CD at least once a week, but often more. It is perfect for relaxation, for listening while reading, or for my personal favorite use, to block out noise while I am writing.

I would recommend this to any classical lover.

If you have not heard Debussy's music, you must get this CD; it will have you ordering more of his compositions almost immediately.

The man was a genius.

I would also add that if you enjoy this, I recommend that you continue your Debussy experience with the following: Debussy: Orchestral Works I and Debussy: Orchestral Works II

This is a brilliant assembly of Debussy. .......2006-07-08

After listening to his "Greatest Hits," I know why he is considered one of the best.

THIS IS THE STUFF RIGHT HERE!.......2005-09-12

I BOUGHT THIS BECAUSE I WAS TRYING EXPAND MY HORIZONS, YOU KNOW? CULTURALLY AND MENTALLY, YOU KNOW? SERIOUSLY THOUGH I WAS IN THE SHOP AND I WAS HAVING A GAZE AROUND THE PLACE AND THEN THIS PICTURE JUST JUMPS OUT AT ME, AND I PICKED IT UP AND IT WAS THIS DEBUSSY CHAP AND ID HEARD ABOUT HIM ON THE BBC LEARNING ZONE SO I THOUGHT ;why not?; SERIOUSLY THOUGH I DRAGGED IT HOME AND I POPPED IT IN THE OLD CD PLAYER AND IT FLOORED ME.......I MEAN SERIOUSLY THIS THING...AMAAZING STUFF..I MEAN TODAYS MUSIC HAS NOTHING, NOTHING NOTHING ON THIS STUFF RIGHT HERE.

SOME GOOD TRACKS ARE:
TRACK 1 IS THE BEST. THE OPENING FLUTE ON THE TRACK IS TOTALLY CHILLED AND COOL, REMINDS ME A BIT OF TRACK 13 ON ILL COMMUNICATION BY THE BEASTIE BOYS...A COINCIDENCE???

THE ONLY WEAK TRACK ON THE ALBUM IS TRACK 6, THE UNFORTUNATELY TITLED "CHILDRENS CORNER SUITE: GOLLIWOGGS CAKE WALK" THE MUSIC IS JUST DATED MAN, JUST AS DATED AS THE TITLE.

OVERALL THOUGH THIS IS A QUALITY ALBUM, WITH CHILLS, SPILLS AND THRILLS. SERIOUSLY THOUGH A FINE EFFORT.

Debussy is the best. Ever........2004-07-23

I love Debussy and all of his brilliant work. I barely listen to any other classical music, so I am not an authority, just an honest lover of music. I play piano and love piano music, so I was not disappointed at a piano Flaxen-Haired Girl. I've never heard an orchestrated version and don't need to. This is a good introductory CD to Debussy's work, I love it! The only thing I don't care for is the Arabesque #1 (Track 9). The horn is kind of grating and clunky to hear in such an otherwise beautiful piece. Still, its interesting and different. Everything Debussy made is purest gold.

i am dumb.......2004-07-01

And I'm a doomass because I didn't proof-read my other review and I wrote that Clair de Lune was performed by piano on this disc, which it isn't. Anyway, the piano version is better.

Average customer rating:

Debussy is the BEST
Beautiful!
Debussy IS for Relaxation

Debussy for Relaxation

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000IFOY
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

For Relaxation: Prelude: L'Apres-midi d'un faune (Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun)
For Relaxation: Suite Bergamasque: 3 - Clair de Lune
For Relaxation: Reverie
For Relaxation: Preludes, Book 1 No. 4: Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l'air du soir (Sounds And Perfumes Stir In The Evening Air)
For Relaxation: Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: 3 - Andantino, doucement expressif
For Relaxation: Fantaisie pour piano et orchestre: 2 - Lento et molto espressivo
For Relaxation: La plus que lente
For Relaxation: Nocturnes: Nuages (Clouds)
For Relaxation: Preludes, Book 1 No. 8: La fille aux cheveux de lin (The Girl With The Flaxen Hair)
For Relaxation: Children's Corner: V - Le petit berger (The Little Shepherd)
For Relaxation: Pour le piano: Sarabande
For Relaxation: Danse sacree et danse profane

Customer Reviews:

Debussy is the BEST.......2002-03-05

This CD is Excellent for relaxing. I listen to it every night.

Beautiful!.......2001-03-14

If you are new to Debussy, this CD is great to start. If you are already a fan, this CD is the perfect weekend companion. It features a well chosen selection of pieces from several of his works, both orchestral and solo piano. Best of all (as the title indicates) these pieces are all adagio/lento that are pleasant to listen to and relax... It is also very well priced, so it is a good CD to recommend.

Debussy IS for Relaxation.......2000-06-13

This CD's title says it all - just for relaxation.

Debussy is for soul searching time, contemplation of the universe or just vegging out.

Tracks:

Prlds, Book I: Danseuses De Delphes
Prlds, Book I: Voiles
Prlds, Book I: Le Vent Dans La Plaine
Prlds, Book I: 'Les Sons Et Les Parfums Tournent Dans L'Air Du Soir'
Prlds, Book I: Les Colline D'Anacapri
Prlds, Book I: Des Pas Sur La Neige
Prlds, Book I: Ce Qu'a Vu Le Vent D'ouest
Prlds, Book I: La Fille Aux Checeux De Lin
Prlds, Book I: La Serenade Interrompue
Prlds, Book I: La Cathedrale Engloutie
Prlds, Book I: La Danse De Puck
Prlds, Book I: Minstrels

Tracks:

Prlds, Book II: Brouillards
Prlds, Book II: Feuilles Mortes
Prlds, Book II: La Puerta Del Vino
Prlds, Book II: 'Les Fees Sont D'Exquises Danseuses'
Prlds, Book II: Bruyeres
Prlds, Book II: 'General Lavine' (Excentric)
Prlds, Book II: La Terrasse Des Audiences Du Clair De Lune
Prlds, Book II: Ondine
Prlds, Book II: Hommage A S. Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C.
Prlds, Book II: Canope
Prlds, Book II: Les Tierces Alternees
Prlds, Book II: Feux D'Artifice

Customer Reviews:

Jacobs owns Debussy?.......2007-06-15

I have to admit that after listening to other top-rated performances of Debussy's Images, Estampes, and Preludes by the likes of Michelangeli and Gieseking I just didn't enjoy the music. Even though I can appreciate the artistry of those pianists, they didn't allow Debussy to "speak to me."
Jacobs, on the other hand, has opened up Debussy to me. His playing is wonderfully poetic at the same time as being technically supreme.
If you don't enjoy other intrepretations of Debussy, I highly recommend giving Jacobs a listen. You may just fall in love.

boss!!.......2006-10-24

If Voiles doesn't get your goat and La Danse de Puck doesn't make you chuckle a little and Canope doesn't fill you with wonder at the amazing beauty of debussy harmony then....i don't know what.

Paul Jacobs rules.

Nobody did it better.......2004-05-06

It's a pity Paul Jacobs is no longer alive to make more brilliant recordings like this one. The performance is top-rank and even the audio quality is superb in this Nonesuch recording. Moods flit by and the album becomes richer with each listening.

Magnificent performance.......2003-01-27

His rendition of the Preludes does justice to the mysterious and nebulous quality of Debussy's impressionism, yet his playing is still clear and technically brilliant. Highly recommended.

Great recording, great price!.......2002-12-22

Debussy resides in my upper-most level of favorite composers and I passionately love the Preludes. Jacobs plays them magnificently with all the dream-like impressionism one could ask for. The piano is beautifully recorded with perfect ambiance--not too close, not too distant. These performances are slow enough to really embrace the music and produce quite a magical atmosphere. Jacobs doesn't languish, but dwells in the mood. He uses delicate colors where needed and he brings forth the bold stuff where he should. `La Cathedrale Engloutie' is one of my favorites and Jacobs floors me with it. What variety of tone he gets from the piano! I've never heard it better (and that includes the enthralling Zimerman). Thiollier (Naxos) makes `Voiles' more delicious than anyone else, and rivals Jacobs in many of these. But all in all, Jacobs stands up to any competition.

It's not easy to choose just one set of Debussy's pastel-tinted Preludes. I own three sets: this Jacobs, Thiollier and Arrau (Philips). Plus, I'm thinking of adding the Michelangeli (DG), which I once owned on LP years ago. I also owned the Zimerman (DG) but couldn't deal with the extreme gain-riding gimmickry. (Never in my life have I heard a piano anywhere--in any room or hall--perform the irritating sonic gymnastics purported by that recording. What a shame, because Zimerman's performances are grand.) Thiollier's Debussy is top-self. Gieseking (EMI), from the 50s, is still around and still sounds very good. But if I had to live with just one set of these intoxicating pieces, it would be the Jacobs. And the two-for-one price makes this set very attractive.
Cheers,
Murray

Claude Debussy: Préludes, Vol. 1; Images
Average customer rating:
Claude Debussy: Préludes, Vol. 1; Images

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0006ZFQNK
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

I. Danseuses De Delphes (Lent Et Grave)
II. Voiles (Modere)
III. Le Vent Dans La Plaine (Anime)
IV. 'Les Sons Et LEs Parfums Tournent Dans L'Air Du Soir' (Modere)
V. Les Collines D'Anacapri (Tres Modere)
VI. Des Pas Sur La Neige (Triste Et Lent)
VII. Ce Qu'a Vu Le Vent D'Ouest (Anime Et Tumultueux)
VIII. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin (Tres Calme Et Doucement Expressif)
IX. La Serenade Interrompue (Moderement Anime)
X. La Cathedrale Engloutie (Profondement Calme)
XI. La Danse De Puck (Capricieux Et Leger)
XII. Minstrels (Modere)
I. Reflets Dans L'Eau (Andantino Molto)
II. Hommage A Rameau (Lent Et Grave)
III. Mouvement (Anime)
I. Cloches A Travers Les Feuilles (Lent)
II. Et La Lune Descend Sur Le Temple Qui Fut
III. Poissons D'Or (Anime)

Jean-Yves Thibaudet ~ Debussy - complete piano works, vol. 1

Average customer rating:

mixed feelings, 3 stars.
Jean-Yves Fan
Superior recordings and performances
Another installment of great by Thibaudet

Jean-Yves Thibaudet ~ Debussy - complete piano works, vol. 1

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000004294
Release Date: 1996-08-13

Tracks:

Preludes - livre I.: I. Danseuses de Delphes - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: II. Voiles - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: III. Le vent dans la plaine - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: IV. 'Les sons et les parfums tornent dans l'air du soir' - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: V. Les collines d'Anacapri - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: VI. Des pas sur la neige - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: VII. Ce qu'a vu le vent d'ouest - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: VIII. La fille aux cheveux de lin - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: IX. La serenade interrompue - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: X. La catedrale engloutie - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: XI. La danse de Puck - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre I.: XII. Minstrels - C. Debussy
Estampes: Pagodes - C. Debussy
Estampes: La soiree dans Grenade - C. Debussy
Estampes: Jardins sous la pluie - C. Debussy
Deux Arabesques: I. Andante con moto - C. Debussy
Deux Arabesques: II. Allegretto scherzando - C. Debussy
Reverie - C. Debussy
Masques - C. Debussy
L'isle joyeuse - C. Debussy

Tracks:

Preludes - livre II.: I. Brouillards - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: II. Feuiles mortes - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: III. La puerta del Vino - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: IV. 'Les fees sont d'exquises danseuses' - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: V. Bruyeres - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: VI. 'General Lavine' - excentric - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: VII. La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: VIII. Ondine - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: IX. Hommage a Sanuel Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C. - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: X. Canope - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: XI. Les tierces alternees - C. Debussy
Preludes - livre II.: XII. Feux d'artifice - C. Debussy
D'un cahier d'esquisses - C. Debussy
Morceau de concours - C. Debussy
Danse bohemienne - C. Debussy
Nocturne - C. Debussy
Images: Lent - C. Debussy
Images: Tres vite - C. Debussy
Pour le piano: Prelude - C. Debussy
Pour le piano: Sarabande - C. Debussy
Pour le piano: Toccata - C. Debussy

Tracks:

Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Preludes -- Livre I - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Estampes - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Estampes - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Estampes - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Deux Arabesques - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Deux Arabesques - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Reverie - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Masques - Jean-Yves Thibaudet
L'isle Joyeuse - Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Customer Reviews:

mixed feelings, 3 stars........2007-07-05

There are quite a few of Debussy's piano pieces that immediately ring a bell in the mind - Clair de Lune, Gollowog's Cake Walk, La Petite Negre, En Bateau, La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin, La Catedrale Engloutie, etc. These pieces are not, in my opinion, where Thibaudet shines, and make me wish I had a different set (but who's?) The Sunken Cathedral is quite nice, I admit. I will also say that he is quite listenable, whereas Geiseking (sp?) made me so angry I had spent $60 that I stopped buying classical cds for about 10 years.

On the other hand, Thibaudet does have technical mastery - the pieces with which I am less familiar, etudes especially (referring to vol. 2 of the set) are played, to my ears at least, very well, and in fact bring a smile to the face. There is no 'bad' playing anywhere, but the pieces in which I would have liked more musicality lead me to think that the others which I haven't developed an opinion on will sound better in other sets as well. The search continues. At least this set is a good bar.

Jean-Yves Fan.......2007-03-21

I am a big fan of Jean-Yves playing(and a Debussy fan) so I enjoyed this recording. Piano style is a personal preference. (as a musician and pianist I know what I like and what I don't like and it is often not the same as what others prefer) If you enjoyed any other recordings by Jean-Yves or have seen him and concert and loved him you will enjoy this recording.

Superior recordings and performances.......2005-09-18

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.

Another installment of great by Thibaudet.......2000-06-13

Thibaudet certainly has a great knack for playing French music. Perhaps it is because he is French himself, or perhaps it is because he has been blessed with a wonderful insight to piano music in general. I say this, because he brings such great musicianship to whatever he puts to record or performance. This two CD set of Debussy's Preludes exudes the personalities of both the composer and the pianist. Debussy, known as the great impressionist composer, delicately has painted numerous portraits in his preludes and this recording certainly does well at bringing them out. Technically, these pieces are played with virtuosity and clear attention to precision, clarity, and musicality. One of the best parts of this set is the a bonus CD of short interviews with Thibaudet in various languages where he himself explains what he has brought to the table in playing these pieces and what insights he had in mind when approaching these pieces.

Average customer rating:

rather dry and unevocative playing
Van Cliburn at his best.
Cliburn's Debussy and Ravel
Romantic Impressions

Van Cliburn - My Favorite Debussy

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00002JXEM
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Douze Etudes, Book I, No. 5: Etude In Octaves
Douze Preludes, Book II, No. 7: The Terrace For Moonlight Audiences
Suite Bergamasque, No. 3: Clair de lune
La plus que lente
Estampes, No. 3: Gardens In The Rain
Reverie
Images, Set I, No. 1: Reflections In The Water
Douze Preludes, Book II, No. 12: Fireworks
Douze Preludes, Book I, No. 8: The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
Estampes, No. 2: Evening In Grenada
The Isle Of Joy
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Le Tombeau de Couperin, No. 6: Toccata

Customer Reviews:

rather dry and unevocative playing.......2006-10-04

I feel that Debussy's music requires a very sensitive and free (lots of "rubato") approach that I do not find in Van Cliburn's performances. Unfortunately, I rarely hear a Debussy performance that really sounds "Impressionistic," so perhaps I am expecting too much. But, I can listen to this entire CD and feel that I have not yet heard a single note of Debussy. It is not mysterious, sensitive, and evocative enough for my taste.

Van Cliburn at his best........2006-03-17

As a lover of Debussy's music, I've had a hard time finding recordings that I liked, or that I thought did justice to his work. This album, for me, stands above the rest. Mr. Cliburn gives the best performance of "Clair de Lune" I've ever heard (which is the piece most people will recognize). Others that stood out for me were "Reverie" and "Reflections In the Water." This is a first-class album. It sounds wonderful, with breathtaking performances by a true virtuosic genius.

Cliburn's Debussy and Ravel.......2001-08-20

This beautiful and transporting CD is a "rainy day" favorite of mine. Van Cliburn has created a gorgeous, shimmering watercolor for his listeners' ears. In May of 1998, I heard Maestro Cliburn play many of these works in recital. The two hour recital was sold out and I don't recall hearing a single cough, a rustle of paper or squeak of a chair - we were all completely riveted, completely absorbed in the mood and the music. Maestro Cliburn's gossamer arpeggios in "Reflets dan l'eau" are so liquid, so seamless, one envisions water rippling on a stream; and his sensitive and melancholy "Girl with the Flaxen Hair" is the most beautiful and heart-felt interpretation of this piece that I have heard. Mr. Cliburn makes these pieces look absolutely effortless, yet they are among the most difficult in piano repertoire. I look upon each of these tracks as a mini-masterpiece. No one plays the Impressionists with the sensitivity, the poetry of Van Cliburn. Although the overall mood is one of melancholy, Cliburn never lets the music become too sweet. In fact, just as Maestro Cliburn's beautiful music lulls one into a sleepy reverie, his powerful and spine-chilling keyboard run in Debussy's "Fireworks" catapults one right of it - a playful "Gotcha!" from one of the truly Great Pianists.

Romantic Impressions.......2000-08-01

When one thinks of Van Cliburn one usually thinks of the power of Rachmaninoff or Tchaikovsky. Fortunately, this beautifully remasterd collection of impressionistic pieces from Debussy and Ravel done in the 1970's gives us a look at a different side of his virtuosity. The power is there but tempered in a beautiful way. The dynamics are more sensitive than I have heard before and so I'm hearing new views of this music. I purchased this out of curiosity, and the music is not my favorite, but it is wonderfully executed and not cloying as these pieces are sometimes played. I would highly recommend this recording.

Debussy: Preludes, Vol. 1 / L'isle joyeux

Average customer rating:

Non French pianist talks musique francais perfectly
A poet Pollini ain't.
exquisite readings
Pollini is great, but this CD is not
A new hit for the greatest living pianist

Debussy: Preludes, Vol. 1 / L'isle joyeux

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002R2SU
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Preludes: 1st Livre: I. Danseuses de Delphes: Lent et grave
Preludes: 1st Livre: II. Voiles: Modere
Preludes: 1st Livre: III. Le vent dans la plaine: Anime
Preludes: 1st Livre: IV. Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l'air du soir: Modere
Preludes: 1st Livre: V. Les collines d'Anacapri: Tres modere
Preludes: 1st Livre: VI. Des pas sur la neige: Triste et lent
Preludes: 1st Livre: VII. Ce qu'a vu le vent d'ouest: Anime et tumultueux
Preludes: 1st Livre: VIII. La fille aux cheveux de lin: Tres calme et doucement expressif
Preludes: 1st Livre: IX. La serenade interrompue: Moderement anime
Preludes: 1st Livre: X. La cathedrale engloutie: Profondement calme
Preludes: 1st Livre: XI. La danse de puck: Capricieux et leger
Preludes: 1st Livre: XII. Minstrels: Modere
L'ISLE JOYEUSE: L'Isle joyeuse: Modere et tress souple

Amazon.com

Maurizio Pollini brings cool elegance and unflappable sheen to Debussy's Preludes Book One. He contours the dynamics with micromanaged aplomb, and achieves ravishing pedal effects in the more meditative selections. One can't find fault with the pianist's well-oiled fingerwork and beautifully modulated sonority. Yet the music's evocative, dreamlike qualities elude Pollini's protean grasp, especially compared to Arrau's robust inflections, Paul Jacobs's aching poetry, and Zaidee Parkinson's haunting rumination. Pollini dispatches the neo-Lisztian hurdles of L'Isle Joyeuse with efficient ease, holding himself aloof from the orgiastic abandon characterizing more memorable readings from Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Vladimir Horowitz, and Walter Gieseking. DG's engineering is resplendent and well-focused. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Non French pianist talks musique francais perfectly.......2006-04-25

I had believed musique francais played by non French musicians does not deserve to listen to for very long time, for over ten years. I have so many favorites non French musicians but when they play French music, it is music but not musique francais. I had been seeing there is much difference between played by French and by non French. I don't still figure out why, anyway.

However when I listen to this CD, what I felt was like, "Mervelleux! super!". I didn't expect that quiality. I bought the CD because of feeling like "Pollini plays Debussy? Interesting, OK, buy it". That is it. I never expected much. However he struck me again as he had with his Stravinsky and Boulez.

Pollini has been my dearest pianist fo far. Needless to say his playing is clear and exact like digital graphics. That clearness and precision produce his sound shine.

Debussy music is sound of light and reflection, with great performance, you can listen to light and reflection. And also there is definitely French intonation. Italian Pollini perfectely reproduce as the music is supposed to be.

He proved non French musicians could talk musique francais with their hands.

A poet Pollini ain't........2005-09-12

I have always had a problem with Pollini's approach to music. Even von Karajan performances seem fresh after listening to a recording of Pollini. With all due respect to my favorite critic of the keyboard, Harris Goldsmith, Pollini all too often can be justifiably accused of superficiality - for all his intense skill and carefulness he ends up sounding rather straightforward. This Debussy CD issue finds him hopelessly loud with an unending use of full tones - even when it's clear Debussy expects something very different Pollini continues to make each note sound out completely. DGG doesn't help matters: the recorded sound frequently smears notes, even during passages of moderate volume. I recently listened to a recording of the Russian pianist Vladimir Sofronitsky from 1952 - that is, over fifty years ago, in mono and recorded by Russian engineers - and found the sound vastly more like a piano. Pollini's performances of Debussy may have the sonority of a Josef Lhevinne, but where are the whisperly delicate traceries Debussy demands as well? Not here. Pollini might do well to read some of his own countrymen's Renaissance works on the painting of colors. As for characterizing individual pieces? Frankly, Pollini plays as if he's more interested in other aspects of the music. This makes for a program where the ongoing tonality Pollini adopts - some might say with a relentless refusal to differentiate, however impressive as pure music-making - loses much of the appeal a more varied approach would give. To be just, Pollini is a commanding magisterial performer - I just wish he could lighten up his attack and sound less all of a piece. A little looser way with rhythms would go a long way, too. For a spendid alternative the late Egorov brought much more poetry and gobs more individuality to Debussy - sadly, it's difficult to find his CDs these days. If you like Boulez in Mahler or Bruckner you may like Pollini in Debussy - but I urge you to listen to a pianist with a more poetic reputation - I think you'll be happy you did.

exquisite readings.......2005-04-06

I grew up on Giesiking n' thought the choice of tempi, sensibility, coolness he brought was definitive, but these pieces grow, a piece of music transforms itself over time,like taking a photo of the same street,things change (not just the obvious either) this is what many I think refuse to comprehend, conductors who think they for instance know the correct tempi, no one else of course knows, only thet KNOW.We also have lived through quite a bit of modernity, the experience of hearing new works all has some influence on what we hear right, at least I would think so,Arrogance of what musicians think they know serves no end and renders music into a museum,sterile, cold, not alive,(look at the fine readings of Bruckner and Mahler Boulez was able to summon,something I saw many years ago,(see my Bruckner 8th recording review with DGG; Boulez/Vienna)( But when it occurred no one thought Boulez could do anything new or innovative with post-Romantics.)
Pollini although he takes liberties in tempi are infintesimal in terms of the exciting engaging gesturing he gets, he never sacrifices a fascinating timbre,as in "le vent sur. . . " he allows Debussy's modernity to come to full fruition, the piano sonoric canvas is well balanced as well,as in "voiles,where he plays with the overtones heard, a real modernist and the opening, "Danses des Delphes",here the balance is extraordinary,as in the "Les parfums. . . " where he plays it like a salon piece for which it is partially intended,(Debussy was strongly influenced by Erik Satie,the realm of simplicity before all else)this Pollini does in order to make music live I think you need to bring these other-lifeworld qualities and sensibilities to the music otherwise it is simply predictable music making, music to watch the clock with, Debussy strove to transcend the mere obvious, he broke all the rules for timbre,and time,spatializations of timbres(his ballet "Jeux" is a better example of the highest sophisticated sense of musical space) for love of timbre, and Pollini fully appreciates this aspect of his aesthetic. Technique and the modern sensibility is a mere given in Pollini I think it allows him again to project the colours anywhere he wants without sacrificing line nor melodic direction. His tone is a bit more fluffier at times than Zimerman,who has a more modern approach with a cold aggressive granite tone that also works quite well if you light a fire under this. Pollini is somewhere in between he has the discipline but doesn't allow it to consume the readings where the "preludes" are such and nothing else. I think what we want out of a pianist is to always search for another dimension of the music; if it exists, if not! one hearing is enough.

Pollini is great, but this CD is not.......2001-11-28

Flat and a bit sedated, rather than dreamy or evocative as I believe Pollini is trying to attempt, lacking the crystalline quirkiness of tone or sharp contrasts of color I identify with the music of Debussy. I don't know if it is the engineering, but the sonority is way too deep and bassy, allowing much of the music to drown in itself. This is refined playing, and I adore Pollini, his recordings of Chopin's Polonaises and Liszt's B flat sonata are personal favorites, but I'm just more in the Gieseking school of playing Debussy, where a colder, impersonal interpretation that concentrates on the possibilities of the piano's coloring allows the natural vagueness of the compositions to speak for itself. I don't know much about impressionism or how Debussy preferred his music to be played, but I like my Debussy with a little more fire and clarity.

A new hit for the greatest living pianist.......2000-01-13

Pollini's fans were gifted in 1999. After the two Brahms Piano Concertos and especially Chopin's Ballades - one of the greatest CDs ever recorded - the Maestro brings Debussy's Preludes up to a new standard of perfection. Benedetti-Michelangeli was great in Debussy. Under Pollini's fingers, these twelve intimate gems recover all their poetry. The sound is, at the same time, very pure and full of spaces, the space between the notes that is called "music". I heard these Preludes live in Amsterdam. Miracle: the recording offers the same emotion and tears. Thank you, Maestro !

Debussy & Ravel: Piano Works - Samson Francois (6 CD's)

Average customer rating:

great pianist!!!!
Yesterday Francois would be celebrating his eighty-two anniversary

Debussy & Ravel: Piano Works - Samson Francois (6 CD's)
Samson Francois , Claude Debussy , and Maurice Ravel
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Chopin: Piano Works, Vol. 3
Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra

ASIN: B0002RUAEM
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

1. Danseuses De Delphes
2. Voiles
3. Le Vent Dans La Plaine
4. Les Sons Et Les Parfums Tournent Dans L'Air Du Soir
5. Les Collines D'Anacapri
6. Des Pas Sur La Neige
7. Ce Qu'a Vu Le Vent D'Ouest
8. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin
9. La Serenade Interrompue
10. La Cathedrale Engloutie
11. Danse De Puck
12. Minstrels
1. Brouillards
2. Feuilles Mortes
3. La Puerta Del Vino
4. Les Fees Sont D'Exquises Danseuses
5. Bruyeres
6. General Lavine (Eccentric)
7. La Terrasse Des Audiences Au Clair De Lune
8. Ondine
9. Hommage A S. Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C.
10. Canope
12. Feux D'Artifice

Tracks:

1. Reflets Dans L'eau
2. Hommage A Rameau
3. Mouvement
1. Cloches A Travers Les Feuilles
2. Et La Lune Descend Sur Le Temple Qui Fut
3. Poissons D'or
Reverie
1. Andantino
2. Allegretto Scherzando
La Plus Que Lente, Valse
1. Pour Les Degres Chromatiques
2. Pour Les Agrements
4. Pour Les Sonorites Opposees
5. Pour Les Arpeges Composes
6. Pour Les Accords
Masques
L'Isle Joyeuse
Berceuse Heroique

Tracks:

1. Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum
2. Jimbo's Lullaby
3. Serenade For The Doll
4. The Snow Is Dancing
5. The Little Shepherd
6. Golliwogg's Cake-Walk
1. Pagodes
2. La Soiree Dans Grenade
3. Jardins Sous La Pluie
1. Prelude
2. Menuet
3. Clair De Lune
4. Passepied
1. Prelude
2. Sarabande
3. Toccata

Tracks:

1. Allegramente
2. Adagio Assai
3. Presto
Lento/Allegro
1. Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant - Pierre Barbizet
2. Petit Poucet - Pierre Barbizet
3. Laideronnette, Imperatrice Des Pagodes - Pierre Barbizet
4. Les Entretiens De La Belle Et De La Bete - Pierre Barbizet
5. Le Jardin Feerique - Pierre Barbizet

Tracks:

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
1. Modere, Tres Franc
2. Assez Lent
3. Modere
4. Assez Anime
5. Presque Lent
6. Vif
7. Moins Vif
8. Epilogue: Lent
Prelude
Jeux D'Eau
Menuet Sur Le Nom D'Haydn
1. Noctuelles
2. Oiseaux Tristes
3. Une barque Sur L'Ocean
4. Alborada Del Gracioso
5. La Vallee Des Cloches
Emmanuel Chabrier (Paraphrase Sur Un Air De Gounod)
Borodine

Tracks:

1. Ondine
2. Le Gibet
3. Scarbo
1. Modere
2. Mouvement De Menuet
3. Anime
1. Prelude
2. Fugue
3. Forlane
4. Riguadon
5. Menuet
6. Toccata
Menuet Antique

Customer Reviews:

great pianist!!!!.......2007-02-16

samson was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century his debussy was sublime and his color palete to impresionism is unsurpassed. could someone tell me if these recordings of his debussy are the stereo ones

Yesterday Francois would be celebrating his eighty-two anniversary .......2006-05-19

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 itý 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.

Stokowski Transcriptions: Bach, Beethoven, Boccherini, etc.

Average customer rating:

Stokowski Transcriptions: Bach, Beethoven, Boccherini, etc.

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphoses; Concert Music for Strings and Brass; Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin - Suite
Liszt: Piano Concertos; Totentanz; Hungarian Fantasy
Baroque Trumpet Concertos
Lalo: Symphonie espagnole; Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen: Massenet: Thaïs - Meditation
Lehár: Waltzes

ASIN: B00009KHYI
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

Sheep May Safely Graze
Sleepers Awake
Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565
Minuet
'Moonlight' Sonata
Prelude In E Minor, Op.28 No.4
Panis Angelicus
Andante Cantabile
'At The Ball'
Clair De Lune
La Cathedrale Engloutie
Prelude In C Sharp Minor

Average customer rating:

WORKS:

Debussy's Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Â© 1984 CBS Inc. / CBS Masterworks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DS1H
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Customer Reviews:

WORKS:.......2006-01-13

Works:

Claude Debussy / Suite bergamasque, for piano, L. 75: Clair de Lune 5:05
Performed by: Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

Claude Debussy / Children's Corner, suite for piano (or orchestra), L. 113: Golliwog's Cakewalk 2:50
Performed by: Philippe Entremont, Piano

Claude Debussy / Rêverie, for piano, L. 68 6:12
Performed by: Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra

Claude Debussy / Arabesque, for piano No. 1 in E major, L. 66/1 5:41
Performed by: William Smith, Philadelphia Orchestra

Claude Debussy / Préludes (12) for piano, Book I, L. 117: The Girl with the Flaxen Hair 3:00
Performed by: William Smith, Philadelphia Orchestra

Claude Debussy / Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun), for orchestra, L. 86 10:25
Performed by: Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic

Claude Debussy / Fêtes, for orchestra (Nocturne No. 2), L. 91/2 5:54
Performed by: Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic

Claude Debussy / La mer est plus belle, song for voice & piano, L. 81/1: Dialogue of the Wind and the Sea 8:18
Performed by: Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Sound of zZz

The Sonorous Landscape

The Very Best Of Dr. John

Plectrist

Full Isaac

When She Was My Girl

Victor/Victoria (1982 Film Soundtrack) [Original recording remastered] [Soundtrack]

Victorian Concert Overtures

To Markos III [Import] [Original recording remastered]

The Classical Child Early To Rise

Travelin' On

Soy

Salsa Dura de Cali: Capital Mundial de la Salsa

Watch What You Say

Sapphire