Debussy Orchestral Works
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Claude Debussy
Label: EMI
Magazine Review Date: 1/1990
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 74
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: 749472-2
Tracks:
| Composition | Artist Credit |
|---|---|
| Nocturnes |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer Michel Plasson, Conductor Toulouse Capitole Orchestra Toulouse Mid-Pyrénées Chorus |
| Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer Michel Plasson, Conductor Toulouse Capitole Orchestra |
| Printemps |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer Michel Plasson, Conductor Toulouse Capitole Orchestra |
| (La) Mer |
Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer Michel Plasson, Conductor Toulouse Capitole Orchestra |
Author: Christopher Headington
There is no shortage.of fine versions of this Debussy repertory. One thinks of Previn and the LSO in La mer and (with the Ambrosian Chorus in ''Sirenes'') the three Nocturnes, which brings this music to vibrant life in a first-rate digital EMI recording, or of a remarkable bargain issue with the LPO under Serge Baudo on EMI Eminence that has a splendidly atmospheric La mer plus no less good performances of the magical Jeux and the Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune. But the present issue has also given me much pleasure.
Michel Plasson has done wonders during his years with the Toulouse Capitole Orchestra and they play this repertory with real authority. The Toulouse Mid-Pyrenees Chorus are a name new to me and sound like a smallish body of women singers here, but they too are for the most part equal to Debussy's demands in ''Sirenes'' and are placed at a slight distance that is dramatically right in this dangerously undulating tone-picture. InL'apres-midi Plasson has a good flautist in the person of Francois Laurent, and this is another fully idiomatic performance, unhurried and rightly dreamy yet with enough momentum too.
This CD is generously filled compared with the issues mentioned above, which run for 51 and 52 minutes respectively, and many collectors may be glad to have Printemps in a satisfying performance that is more persuasive than most, although it is an early work of 1887 and not really typical of this marvellous composer at his best. As for La mer, here is atmosphere in full measure, with well-judged tempos and sonorities and some splendid playing from this fine orchestra. The recording too, is excellent, and altogether this is an issue to praise without reserve.'
Michel Plasson has done wonders during his years with the Toulouse Capitole Orchestra and they play this repertory with real authority. The Toulouse Mid-Pyrenees Chorus are a name new to me and sound like a smallish body of women singers here, but they too are for the most part equal to Debussy's demands in ''Sirenes'' and are placed at a slight distance that is dramatically right in this dangerously undulating tone-picture. In
This CD is generously filled compared with the issues mentioned above, which run for 51 and 52 minutes respectively, and many collectors may be glad to have Printemps in a satisfying performance that is more persuasive than most, although it is an early work of 1887 and not really typical of this marvellous composer at his best. As for La mer, here is atmosphere in full measure, with well-judged tempos and sonorities and some splendid playing from this fine orchestra. The recording too, is excellent, and altogether this is an issue to praise without reserve.'
Debussy Orchestral Works
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