With its qualities of fine pianism and quiet but intense sensitivity, Martino Tirimo's medium-price Debussy series on Pickwick IMP Masters has a lot going for it artistically, and it is good to welcome this fourth and final volume. Only one of the others has come my way for review, but on that I certainly enjoyed the Preludes (2/91), which usefully got all 24 pieces on to a single disc lasting 78 minutes and of which I wrote that the artist understood Debussy's world well and that the recording was rich and soft-textured. I also then opined that he was a touch over-generous with the sustaining pedal, but in connection with the present issue I feel that I should not lay down the law too freely on this point, for the sound he makes is very persuasive and I find myself gladly won over. Indeed, the more I hear Tirimo, the more I feel that he is not just a good pianist but a major artist who should be more widely recognized as such.
The main works here are the two sets of Images and Children's Corner. In the first set of the former, I have only praise for the flexibility of ''Reflets dans l'eau'', the gentle gravity of ''Hommage a Rameau'' and the unfussy brilliance of ''Mouvement'' (a piece that is beautifully managed and textured); but rather than discuss each piece in turn, I will simply say that Tirimo unfailingly uses his rock-solid technique to take us, firmly but courteously, into Debussy's world and let us experience its magic. Maybe some of his playing is a touch understated tonally, but far better this than the over-projection which can ruin Debussy: for an example of magnificently refined, in-scale performance that is all the more moving for its tender refinement, listen to La plus que lente on track 9. The pianist also has an excellent instrument at his disposal and the recording by Joanna Leach and David Turner has been finely managed in the sympathetic acoustic of a North London church, allowing the telling pianissimos that are indispensable to this composer's music as well as a bigger sound when called for. This is another generously filled disc and most recommendable, particularly with its mid-price tag. Do try to acquire it if you appreciate fine Debussy playing.'