Claude Debussy: Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The first production of Debussy's ballet Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian in 1911 was a resounding failure with Paris audiences, and its whirlpool of blatant homoeroticism and questionable taste resulted in a ban from the archbishop of Paris. The result of a chaotic collaboration between three controversial artists (Debussy, D'Annunzio, and Ida Rubinstein), Sebastian is a true curiosity--I, a lover of Debussy, find it unendurable. This fine performance by Michael Tilson Thomas and the London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra is of the concert version. --Joshua Cody

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:

La Mer is one of my all-time favorites
Wonderful
Great interpretations, but the recorded sound is ok
Ravishing Debussy from a master of French music

Debussy: La Mer

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ravel: Boléro
Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 1
Tschaikovsky: Ballet Suites / Rostropovich, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade/Capriccio Espagnol
Shostakovich: Symphonies no 5 and 9 / Haitink

ASIN: B00002MXMY
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

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
Jeux
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): La Cour des lys
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): Danse extatique et Final du Premier Acte
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): La Passion
Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): Le Bon Pasteur
Prelude 'aprmidi d'un faune

Tracks:

Images pour orchestre: Gigues
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: I. Par les rues et par les chemins
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: II. Les Parfums de la nuit
Images pour orchestre: Iberia: III. Le Matin d'un jour de f
Images pour orchestre: Rondes de printemps
Trois Noctures: Nuages
Trois Noctures: Fs
Trois Noctures: Sirs
Printemps: Trmod
Printemps: Mod

Customer Reviews:

La Mer is one of my all-time favorites.......2006-01-11

There is nothing quite like Dutoit's handling of some of Debussy's timeless masterpieces. All have enormous strength and have clear sound quality. The piece that gives me the shivers the most is La Mer. It has the perfect oceanic feeling that some other conductors forget about. I can just imagine the stormy sea letting out its dangerous but majestic fury when listening to the third movement. Images for Orchestra and Printemps are also fabulous. Highly recommended for those who are interested in impressionistic music.

Wonderful.......2004-03-30

Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top-notch form. Dutoit handles these works well, bringing delicacy of phrasing, sweeping crescendos, and awesome sonics. Rarely does can an orchestra sound calm, quiet, even serene AND loud, dramatic, and forceful. La Mer is particularly striking in Dutoit's hands. Decca's crystal clear sound makes this set even more attractive. Highly recommended.

Great interpretations, but the recorded sound is ok.......2002-08-30

Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top notch form. However, the reason I gave this CD set only 4 starts is because the recorded sound less much to be desired. The cd sound is very "echo"y, it sounds like the orchestra is playing in a cave, not a concert hall. If that doesn't bother you then go for this set. As for me, I want Debussy with a little clearer of a sound.

Ravishing Debussy from a master of French music.......1999-12-11

Most of Dutoit's Debussy recordings were released at the beginning of the 1990s and are of the same very high standard of his Ravel and Poulenc recordings, and it is good to have the best-known of them reissued on a well-documented 2-CD bargain set. The sound quality is fantastic. This set comes into competition with Haitink's excellent Philips Duo set, and choice between the two sets will probably be determined by the minor works included. The Haitink set has long been the first recommendation in this repertoire, and the analogue sound is excellent, if not as spectacular as that of the Dutoit set. It should be noted, however, that those who buy the Dutoit set along with Martinon's "Orchestral Works II" set on EMI's Double Forte label will have obtained virtually all of Debussy's orchestral compositions and transcriptions all for not too many dead presidents.

Claude Debussy: Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien

Average customer rating:

Satisfied
A Finely Honed Performance of Debussy's Complete Martyre de Saint Sébastien
Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien
A great interpretation of a rarity
Fascinating

Claude Debussy: Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien
Claude Debussy , Michael Tilson Thomas , Leslie Caron , Ann Murray , Nathalie Stutzmann , Sylvia McNair , and London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Debussy: Nocturnes; La Damoiselle élue; Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien
Mussorgsky: The Nursery: Sunless; Songs and Dances of Death
Debussy - Pelleas et Melisande / Boulez, Archer, Hagley, Welsh National Opera
Debussy's Harp
Puccini - Il Trittico / Alagna, Gheorghiu, Guelfi, Guleghina, Gallardo-Domás, Manca di Nissa, Palmer, Shicoff, van Dam, Pappano

ASIN: B0000027WZ
Release Date: 1993-03-23

Tracks:

The Court of Lilies: No1: Prelude.Lent
The Court of Lilies: No2: Sebastian
The Court of Lilies: No3: Danse extatique de Sebastien sur le charbons embrases
The Magic Chamber: No1: Prelude. Tres modere
The Magic Chamber: No2: Je fauchais l'epi de froment
The Magic Chamber: No3: Qui pleure mon enfant si doux
The Council of the False Gods: No1 & No2: Prelude. Modere
The Council of the False Gods: No3: Paian, Lyre d'or, Arc d'argent!
The Council of the False Gods: No4: Avez-vous vu celui que j'aime?
The Council of the False Gods: No5: Ne pleurez plus!
The Council of the False Gods: No6: Io! Io! Adoniastes!
The Council of the False Gods: No7: Il est mort, le bel Adonis
The Wounded Laurel: No1: Prelude. Sombre et lent
The Wounded Laurel: No2: Il est la, le Pasteur. Regardez
The Wounded Laurel: No3: Helas
Paradise: No1: Inderlude. Modere
Paradise: No2: Gloire!

Amazon.com

The first production of Debussy's ballet Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian in 1911 was a resounding failure with Paris audiences, and its whirlpool of blatant homoeroticism and questionable taste resulted in a ban from the archbishop of Paris. The result of a chaotic collaboration between three controversial artists (Debussy, D'Annunzio, and Ida Rubinstein), Sebastian is a true curiosity--I, a lover of Debussy, find it unendurable. This fine performance by Michael Tilson Thomas and the London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra is of the concert version. --Joshua Cody

Customer Reviews:

Satisfied.......2006-02-24

The disk was difficult to obtain, but it was a nice surprise to find it in the original packing and in pristine condition.

A Finely Honed Performance of Debussy's Complete Martyre de Saint Sébastien.......2005-09-17

Though originally a failure in its original form as a ballet/mystery play, a collaboration from Debussy, Gabriel D'Annunzio and Ida Rubenstein (who oddly assumed the role of Sébastien!), Michel Fokine and Leon Baskt, the orchestral excerpts continue to be part of the repertoire of some of the finer orchestras around the globe. Here Michael Tilson Thomas conducts the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and soloists in as complete a version of the musical aspects of this theatrical event as possible. The result is slightly over an hour of some truly gorgeous Debussy!

Though the movements are rather start and stop on this recording, that is not a fault: it is the nature of this episodic work. The otherworldly music feels coaxed from the inner voices of the orchestra and chorus and is superbly interpreted by Thomas. The soloists include Ann Murray, Sylvia McNair and Nathalie Stutzmann and are all excellent. Enhancing the concept of the work as a whole is the wise inclusion of the narrator (known as Recitant and Le Saint) and Leslie Caron delivers a wholly committed performance. In all, Tilson Thomas shines here.

While there are other recordings of the shorter Symphonic Fragments of this work, namely the recording by Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Dawn Upshaw and Paula Rasmussen which is perfection, having the option of this total experience is well worth adding the recording to your library. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien.......2005-08-24

A beautiful musical work by the master. Oddly, not often heard. This happens to be one of those rare "hidden masterpieces". Ms Caron is excellent. A good add to any collection.

A great interpretation of a rarity.......2001-05-16

I've enjoyed this disc than everything I have heard in the last year or so. Michael Tilson Thomas is a great conductor indeed - the best of his generetion along with Sir Simon. His orchestra - the LSO - is at top form, the soloists are magnificent and it's beyond any doubt that you can not find a match for this piece. Most of the times there are some passages as a fill-ups in some Debussy discs ( Baremboim's account on DG is one of them) but there is so much more to that music. A joyful experience. A must for any classical music lover.

Fascinating.......2000-08-10

At first I thought I would hate this reading of Martyre because it didn't look particularly good on paper. Sure, it's toned down, but it's British and the performance standards are high. Thomas makes the difference, and it seems he's rehearsed his forces to an inch of their lives.

We have to kiss the text goodbye--the feeling just isn't there--but D'Annunzio's medieval five tableux structure is effectively handled, and at least some of the D'Annunzian richness shines through along with the astounding music. The cast handles all this the best it can and makes something of it once in awhile.

I have to correct Mr. Cody on a couple of things: Cardinal Amette and the Paris chancery would love you to think Martyre was a flop, but it wasn't at all. Parisians fell over each other to get tickets, just as Americans went nuts with "Mondo Cane", "Women of the World" and "Bocaccio '70". If you read the old papers from 1912, Martyre was a great event, ballyhooed as a great achievement by Rubenstein and her company.

Count de Montesquiou rather orchestrated public opinion: he used tough methods to suppress those who would slander Debussy and D'Annunzio and defame Rubenstein (we're talking about intercepted love letters and a host of other indiscretions that the Count used as collateral to keep opponents under control, Bourget being one who should have known not to cast stones). Performances were packed. Toscanini loved it and immediately asked Debussy and D'Annunzio for it to take to La Scala where it triumphed. Revue Bleu kind of gave it problems, but essentially the papers said "nice try, beautiful staging, Rubenstein was divine." It was revived at the Opera in 1957 where it made a great impression. I don't remember who conducted but it may have been Louis Fourestier or Jean-Michel LeConte.

Tracks:

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
Jeux
Le Martyre de saint Sebastien (Fragment sym): La Cour des Iys
Le Martyre de saint Sebastien (Fragment sym): Danse extatique et Final du Premier Acte
Le Martyre de saint Sebastien (Fragment sym): La Passion
Le Martyre de saint Sebastien (Fragment sym): Le Bon Pasteur
Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune - Timothy Hutchins

Amazon.com

Charles Dutoit hasn't always been at his best in French music, despite his much-vaunted reputation and his authentic French credentials. Of course, it's not entirely his fault that he has done what his record company has told him to do, but Debussy is one composer to whom, thankfully, he really responds. Not only are the performances on this disc fully competitive with the best available, the couplings are unique, revealing Debussy's full range as a composer over the entire length of his career. And one thing about Dutoit's achievement has never been in dispute: he has built the Montreal Symphony into a world-class ensemble, and they play this music as well as he conducts it. -- David Hurwitz

Amazon.com

Several years after their landmark recordings of Ravel's orchestral music, Charles Dutoit and the Montreal Symphony got around to Debussy, with results that were certainly worth waiting for. The Nocturnes are impeccably rendered: there is extreme refinement in "Nuages," color and energy aplenty in "Fêtes," languor and mystery in "Sirènes." More of an outdoorsman than a hedonist when it comes to La Mer, Dutoit emphasizes body and voluptuousness of sound over atmosphere and strives for an effect of photographic realism rather than impressionism. But what a glorious noise he makes! Here and in every other piece on these discs, the playing of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra exhibits a virtuosity that is all the more remarkable for sounding unspectacular. These are perhaps the best recorded performances of Debussy's music in the catalog, close-miked but with ample space, vivid, and well balanced. --Ted Libbey

Günter Wand Conducts Debussy and Mussorgsky

Average customer rating:

A technically transparent interpretation...
Clear Picture

Günter Wand Conducts Debussy and Mussorgsky

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004SSDQ
Release Date: 2000-05-16

Tracks:

The Court Of Lilies - NDR-Sinfonieorchester
Ecstatic Dance And Finale From The First Act - NDR-Sinfonieorchester
The Passion - NDR-Sinfonieorchester
The Good Shepherd - NDR-Sinfonieorchester
Promenade
Gnomus
Promenade
The Old Castle
Promenade
The Tuileries Garden
Bydlo
Promenade
Ballet Of The Unhatched Chicks
Samuel Goldenberg & Schmuyle
The Weekly Market Of Limoges
Catacombae, Sepulcrum Romanum
Con Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
The Hut On Fowl's Legs (Baba-Yaga)
The Great Gate Of Kiev

Customer Reviews:

A technically transparent interpretation..........2005-02-05

My main attraction to this issue was the inclusion of the rare
"Martyredom of Saint Sebastian" symphonic fragments. What I got was a lot more. The Germanic conductor Gunter Wand leads his Hamburg orchestra in detailed and vivid live performances. You don't get the sonic blockbuster approach on "Pictures". Wand conducts it as if he were performing Wagner, Bruckner, or Brahms. There is much attention to quality of sound and there is considerably less congestion in Ravel's orchestration usually found on the sonics at all cost versions. The "Martyredom" takes on an almost heavenly feel, though none of it's themes are really memorable. It is just a beautifully solemn piece. The program notes are more detailed than usual and state that these works have been life long favorites of Wand during his long low-keyed career. The Debussy piece dates back 1982 and the "Pictures" dates to 1999. Add a star if your in favor of totally live performances as the definitive way to go!

Clear Picture.......2000-06-16

Well defined sound stage for a Live performance, the Picture is clear but no loud as audiophile recording, u can hear every parts of his interpretation, you can hear a different Picture at the exhibition. I hope to Brucker Cycle can complete... very fine for most of Wand Live recording.

Claude Debussy: Le martyre de Saint-Sébastien/Ibéria

Average customer rating:

Claude Debussy: Le martyre de Saint-Sébastien/Ibéria

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000E6MJ
Release Date: 1992-05-12

Bernstein Century - Debussy: The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian

Average customer rating:

A great performance of the Bernstein fashion...
Much better than some critics would suggest

Bernstein Century - Debussy: The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian
Claude Debussy , Leonard Bernstein , Virgina Babikian , Adele Addison , Marlena Kleinman , Joanna Simon , Fritz Weaver , and Felicia Montealegre
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000009CYJ
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Prologue: 'Gentle People, We Bid You Silence...'
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: First Window: The Court Of Lilies - 'First Window, The Court Of Lilies' : Twin Brothers: (Frere, que sera-t-il le monde)
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: First Window: The Court Of Lilies - 'Glory! Glory To Christ The King' : Archers Of Emesa: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: First Window: The Court Of Lilies - Ecstatic Dance Of Sebastian On The Live Coals: 'Oh, Twin Brothers, Sing Your Hymn...' : Twin Brothers: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Second Window: The Magic Chamber - 'Second Window, The Magic Chamber... Within A Vast Elliptical Vault...'
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Second Window: The Magic Chamber - Song Of The Virgin Erigone: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Second Window: The Magic Chamber - 'And Suddenly A New Voice Sings From Beyond The Magic Door': Celestial Voice: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Third Window, The Council Of False Gods... 'A Huge Gilded Hall...'
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Third Window, The Council Of False Gods - 'Suddenly, The Emperor Speaks!...' 'Hail, Beauteous Youth.'
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Third Window, The Council Of False Gods - 'Intone Your Hymn!...' : Chorus Of Zither-Players: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Third Window, The Council Of False Gods - 'Caesar, I Refuse Your Lyre...' : The Women Of Byblos: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Third Window, The Council Of False Gods - 'Who Is This Young Man So White...' : Solo Voice: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: 'Sing! Exult!' : Chorus Of Syrians: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Third Window, The Council Of False Gods - 'He Dies, The Archer Of Lebanon.' : Chorus Of Syrians: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Fourth Window: The Wounded Laurel - 'But Gentle People... Fourth Window, The Wounded Laurel'
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Fourth Window: The Wounded Laurel - 'I Feel In The Palm Of My Hand The Stigmata Burn...'
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Fourth Window: The Wounded Laurel - 'From The Depths, Archers, I Call Upon Your Love!' : Chorus Of Syrians And The Women Of Byblos: < >
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Fifth Window: Paradise - 'A Pearly Radiance Spreads In The Sky... The Fifth Window, Paradise!'
The Martyrdom Of Saint Sebastian: Fifth Window: Paradise - Chorus Of Martyrs: < >

Customer Reviews:

A great performance of the Bernstein fashion..........2002-11-18

This is a great work. Debussy's "Saint Sebastien" is for me his best work (many may disagree with me here but I really find this a great masterpiece). The performance is full of passion and the soloists are great in every respect. Bernstein's narration adds to the performance with his deep characteristic voice. All that said I find this interpretation somewhat less memorable than that of Tilson Thomas on Sony too. The narration there is in French and though I do not speak the language I think that it fits better the work than the enlgish translation of the Bernstein's CD. Also Tilson Thomas is very intense(very tough to believe that somebody is more passionate than Lenny, but it's the truth). Finally the digital recording outshines the ~ 40 year old CBS/Sony sound.

Much better than some critics would suggest.......2002-05-07

Bernstein's recording of Debussy's work for narrator and/or actors with orchestra has never been one of his most famous recordings; in fact, I never even knew he had made one until it was released on CD as part of the "Bernstein Century" series.

It is the only version of the "Martyrdom" narrated and acted in English, and Bernstein himself did the adaptation. (The sung portions are still done in French, which means Bernstein has wisely not tampered with any of the sung text.) Predictably, the stuffy and oh-so-traditional critics have had harsh words for the narrated and acted portions, some going so far as to call it "unlistenable", and even "homoerotic", while others maintain it is simply over the top.

While it IS more flamboyant than most of the other versions I have heard, and while the French version may stick more closely to D'Annunzio's original text, I still enjoy this version very much, and Bernstein has shown remarkable foresight in presenting his audience with a version of this work that they can easily follow. His wife, actress Felicia Montealegre, enacts the role of St. Sebastien, and while she does sound pretty frenzied much of the time, it does make sense that her portrayal of the martyr should sound as if he were experiencing a wild sense of ecstasy (hence, the accusations of sadomasochism and homoeroticism hurled at this adaptation).

Fritz Weaver is the narrator, and his part has been especially created as a sort of guide to pointing out what we should expect to hear. His narration is restrained, eloquent, and he has plenty of opportunity to display his rich speaking voice.

Tracks:

Images: Gigues
Images: Iberia
Images: Rondes de printemps
Le martrye de Saint Sebastien
Marche ecossaise sur un theme populaire
Berceuse heroique

Average customer rating:

Debussy: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Prokofiev: Complete Concertos
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD]
A Thousand Splendid Suns

ASIN: B0000CESR6
Release Date: 2004-04-13