Steven Osborne pf

Hyperion

Steven Osborne’s third and penultimate Debussy recital features early miniatures of an evanescent magic later resolved in Impressionism, then later still in enigmatic and bleak austerity.

As on the previous issues Osborne’s performances are of a superfine mastery. For him clarity rather than misty opalescence is central to Debussy’s genius. He paints in bold primary colours, and yet is as sensitive as he is meticulous.

There is a brisk dismissal of traditional delicacy in the Danse bohemienne, and if there are moments when you wish he would relent and ‘give’ a bit more he offers a Rêverie that glows with Romantic warmth. He takes a firm hand to the pastoral delights of the Suite bergamasque but his way with the turbulent conclusion of the Images oubliées is breath-taking.

The final release, of Debussy’s 12 incomparable Études is eagerly awaited – music ideally suited to Osborne’s rare balance of sense and sensibility.