Composer: Claude Debussy
Performer: Daniel Barenboim
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Catalogue: 4798741
Release: 2018
Size: 192 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
Debussy: Estampes
01. 1. Pagodes
02. 2. La soirée dans Grenade
03. 3. Jardins sous la pluie
Suite Bergamasque
04. 3. Clair de lune
05. La plus que lente
06. Élégie, L138
Préludes – Book 1
07. 1. Danseuses de Delphes
08. 2. Voiles
09. 3. Le vent dans la plaine
10. 4. Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l’air du soir
11. 5. Les collines d’Anacapri
12. 6. Des pas sur la neige
13. 7. Ce qu’a vu le vent d’ouest
14. 8. La fille aux cheveux de lin
15. 9. La sérénade interrompue
16. 10. La cathédrale engloutie
17. 11. La danse de Puck
18. 12. Minstrels
Maestro Barenboim is one of the most important artists and humanists of our times, whose commitment and contribution to music, education, politics and main concerns of our society enriches and inspires us all.
2018 sees a range of releases, starting off with a personal collection of the maestro to celebrate the Debussy 100th anniversary year.
This is not exactly a new Debussy release by Daniel Barenboim; the Préludes come from a 1998 DVD that has fallen into obscurity. Probably the reason for its resurrection was to grab market share for the 2018 centenary of Debussy’s death. The sound shifts noticeably between the earlier set and the newer studio recordings, made in 2017 when the Argentine pianist was well into his eighth decade. Whether because the Préludes performances were made with a multimedia presentation in mind or for some other reason, they lack focus as a group. That said, there’s much here to remind one of why Barenboim still commands a strong following as a pianist. He has a gift for the arresting gesture. Sample the well-worn Clair de lune: Barenboim’s rhythmically subtle opening makes it into moonlight dancing on the water. There are other such moments, and for Barenboim fans this may well be a desirable find in this centenary year.