Est 1923

Debussy Piano Works

Record and Artist Details

Composer or Director: Claude Debussy

Label: Harmonia Mundi

Media Format: CD or Download

Media Runtime: 58

Mastering:

DDD

Catalogue Number: HMC90 1503

Tracks:

Composition Artist Credit
(6) Images Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer
Georges Pludermacher, Piano
(3) Images oubliées Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer
Georges Pludermacher, Piano
(3) Estampes Claude Debussy, Composer
Claude Debussy, Composer
Georges Pludermacher, Piano
The Parisian-born Georges Pludermacher, 50 this year, has recorded a variety of music from Mozart to Brahms and Bartok, but this is the first time I have heard him in Debussy and, on the evidence of this disc, he has something to offer. He is cooler than some pianists, though. Indeed, regarding Images, that celebrated water-picture ''Reflets dans l'eau'' is somewhat matter of fact, although its bigger passages flow impressively: as it expanded to its climax,I found myself for the first time ever reminded here of Brahms. However, there is a gravity about Pludermacher's playing that appeals, and he is at his most Debussian in slower pieces such as ''Hommage a Rameau'' and ''Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fut'' in the Images, and the ''Souvenir du Louvre'' in the Images oubliees—the latter being the first version of the ''Sarabande'' in Pour le piano, and not as good. Nevertheless, having said that, I mustn't suggest that the quick music is less than effective, nor forget to praise a finely judged ''Poissons d'or''.
All in all, this is playing of quality. Even so, for still more distinction in this repertory one would turn to Zoltan Kocsis, who offers marvellously fluid playing and a splendid insight into Debussy's world. To have all these pieces played by him you need to buy two discs, but will in the process acquire other desirable things such as the Suite bergamasque and Pour le piano, not to mention a sparkling L'isle joyeuse.'

Debussy Piano Works

(6) Images

(3) Images oubliées

(3) Estampes

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