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Marita Viitasalo - Claude Debussy: Preludes, Book 2; Suite bergamasque (2015)

Posted By: Designol
Marita Viitasalo - Claude Debussy: Preludes, Book 2; Suite bergamasque (2015)

Marita Viitasalo - Claude Debussy: Préludes, Book 2; Suite bergamasque (2015)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 190 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 141 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Ondine | # ODE 1269-2 | Time: 01:01:16

Pianist Marita Viitasalo’s solo album on Ondine is a program focused on works by Claude Debussy (1862–1918). Préludes, Book II was composed during 1912–13 and represent the composer’s late style. Suite bergamasque, published in 1905, is one of the most well-known pieces in classic piano literature. It inclundes Claire de lune, possibly Debussy’s most famous piano piece. Marita Viitasalo studied first under Professor Timo Mikkilä in Helsinki. She continued her studies in Rome (Rodolfo Caporali) and in Vienna (Dieter Weber). Viitasalo is award-winning concert pianist and respected accompanist who has performed, among others, in Vienna, Salzburg, Berlin, Paris, London, Edinburgh and New York.

Vladimir & Vovka Ashkenazy - Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel: Music for Two Pianos (2009)

Posted By: Designol
Vladimir & Vovka Ashkenazy - Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel: Music for Two Pianos (2009)

Vladimir & Vovka Ashkenazy - Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel: Music for Two Pianos (2009)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 213 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 181 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Decca | # 478 1090 DH | Time: 01:06:01

With this disc, Vladimir Ashkenazy, celebrated for his readings of Rachmaninoff and Chopin, and his son, Vovka, take on music by Debussy and Ravel for two pianos, and the results, utterly unlike virtually anything Ashkenazy père has ever recorded before, make it a real winner. From the electric excitement of the opening En blanc et noir, through the hazy mysteries of Jeux, and the luminous colors of the Rapsodie espagnole, to the inexorable hysteria of La Valse, Ashkenazy père and fils turn in performances that match the music for poise, drive, and technical brilliance. Some might find their sonorities a bit hard-edged at points – should the opening of En blanc et noir and the close of La Valse really be hit so strongly? – but the results are so consistently thrilling that most listeners are likely to be swept away. Recorded in close but clear and vivid digital sound, this disc may not be for every Debussy and Ravel fan, but it should certainly appeal to fans of Ashkenazy.

Claude Debussy - The Composer As Pianist (2000)

Posted By: Designol
Claude Debussy - The Composer As Pianist (2000)

Claude Debussy - The Composer As Pianist (2000)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 134 Mb | Scans included | Time: 00:49:01
Genre: Classical | Label: Pierian Recording Society | # PIR0001

This Pierian CD, advertised in the May 2012 Naxos catalog as an “also available” disc, is the label’s first issue from 2000 featuring the complete recordings of Debussy as pianist. All of his records were made in two sessions, a series of four short 78-rpm sides with soprano Mary Garden (his first Mélisande) at the Paris G&T studio in 1904 and 14 Welte-Mignon piano rolls recorded on November 11, 1913. Both are famous groups of recordings, restored and reissued over the decades, but this release is the best I’ve ever heard them.

Arcanto Quartett - Claude Debussy, Henri Dutilleux, Maurice Ravel: String Quartets (2010)

Posted By: Designol
Arcanto Quartett - Claude Debussy, Henri Dutilleux, Maurice Ravel: String Quartets (2010)

Arcanto Quartett - Claude Debussy, Henri Dutilleux, Maurice Ravel: Quatuors À Cordes (2010)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 310 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 174 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical, Chamber | Label: Harmonia Mundi | # HMC 902067 | Time: 01:11:17

In addition to the traditional pairing of the Debussy and Ravel string quartets, the Arcanto Quartett performs Henri Dutilleux's Ainsi la Nuit (1971-1976), a grouping that is becoming increasingly popular on recordings. These are absolutely secure, thoughtful, self-effacing readings of the Debussy and the Ravel. While the quartet doesn't bring particular new revelations to the pieces, the members play with nuanced sensitivity and impeccable musicianship. The haunted quiet they achieve in the first part of the third movement of the Debussy is especially impressive, as is the clarity of their sense of direction and unity in the final movement, the most difficult of the four to pull off. Similarly in the Ravel, the contrast between the serenity of the third movement and the raw athleticism of the fourth is attention-grabbing and invigorating.

Steven Osborne - Claude Debussy: Preludes (2006)

Posted By: Designol
Steven Osborne - Claude Debussy: Preludes (2006)

Steven Osborne - Claude Debussy: Préludes (2006)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 191 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 190 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Hyperion | # CDA67530 | Time: 01:17:48

Steven Osborne has already made a name for himself in French music with a disc of Alkan and a profoundly moving performance of Messiaen’s Vingt Regards. Here he reaches between those two to tackle one of the pinnacles of the piano repertoire—Debussy’s two books of Préludes. These works have been central to Steven’s repertoire for many years and he brings them to the studio after many public performances and much reflection. He has worked from the most up-to-date Urtext edition which clarifies Debussy’s thought in many places, particularly with regard to tempo relationships within La cathédrale engloutie and a missing bar in Les tierces alternées. In a crowded field Osborne need fear no comparisons: the pianism is exquisite and the interpretations are of a rare depth and subtlety—a recording to rival the very best!

Xavier de Maistre, Diana Damrau - Nuit d'Etoiles: Harp Music by Claude Debussy (2008)

Posted By: Designol
Xavier de Maistre, Diana Damrau - Nuit d'Etoiles: Harp Music by Claude Debussy (2008)

Xavier de Maistre, Diana Damrau - Nuit d'Etoiles: Harp Music by Claude Debussy (2008)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 204 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 177 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: RCA Red Seal | # 88697222492 | Time: 01:13:18

In many ways, Debussy’s piano music finds its rightful home on the harp. Apart from the distinctive textural and colouristic elements in the writing itself, we have contemporary accounts of Debussy’s piano-playing that refer to his ability to make you forget a piano even had hammers. Of course, this doesn’t allow for dreamy, “impressionistic” interpretations; rather, it makes clarity and precision absolute imperatives – which qualities we find in abundance in this recital by Xavier de Maistre and friends.

Pascal Roge - Claude Debussy: Clair de lune and Other Piano Works (2013)

Posted By: Designol
Pascal Roge - Claude Debussy: Clair de lune and Other Piano Works (2013)

Pascal Rogé - Claude Debussy: Clair de lune and Other Piano Works (2013)
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 233 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 192 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Decca | # 478 5405 | Time: 01:19:20

Rogé produces consistently beautiful tone and this recital gives no mean pleasure an this score. His playing is distinguished by intelligence and sympathy, as well as subtle of colour. He is moreover supported by recording quality of real excellence.

Mitsuko Uchida - Claude Debussy: 12 Etudes for Piano (1990) Reissue 2001

Posted By: Designol
Mitsuko Uchida - Claude Debussy: 12 Etudes for Piano (1990) Reissue 2001

Mitsuko Uchida - Claude Debussy: Douze Études pour le Piano (1990) Reissue 2001
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 119 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 108 Mb | Scans ~ 59 Mb
Genre: Classical | Label: Philips | # 464 698-2 | Time: 00:47:12

Debussy's Études are really the only set that deserves to be put beside Chopin's. What makes them so special? Like his, they are truly "practice pieces," systematically exploring various aspects of keyboard technique. But at the same time, they are poetic works of art, full of fantasy, charm, and musical invention. Uchida's recording is almost universally regarded as the finest version of these works to appear in modern times. Her playing combines effortless virtuosity with pianistic precision, keeping the music's artistic and pedagogical tendencies in a state of exquisite tension. This disc also established Uchida's claim to be recognized as one of the most interesting and talented pianists now active. You need to hear it.

Eric Ericson, Rundfunkchor Stockholm, Stockholmer Kammerchor - European Choral Music (2014) 6CD Box Set

Posted By: Designol
Eric Ericson, Rundfunkchor Stockholm, Stockholmer Kammerchor - European Choral Music (2014) 6CD Box Set

Europäische Chormusik - European Choral Music (2014) 6CD Box Set
Eric Ericson, Rundfunkchor Stockholm, Stockholmer Kammerchor

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 1.48 Gb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 942 Mb | Scans included
Classical, Choral | Label: Warner Classics | # 825646261505 | Time: 06:49:27

The great recordings of the "Nordic choral marvel": Swedish choral conductor Eric Ericson was one of the true legends in his field. When he died in 2013 at the age of 94, he had spent decades working to place his two Stockholm choirs among the international musical elite. His recordings from the 1970's enjoy real cult status – unique interpretations of a cappella works from the Renaissance to the 20th century, from Gesualdo to Penderecki, released here for the first time in a single box.

VA - Ocean Of Sound: A Collection Of Music To Accompany David Toop's Book (1996) 2 CDs

Posted By: Designol
VA - Ocean Of Sound: A Collection Of Music To Accompany David Toop's Book (1996) 2 CDs

VA - Ocean Of Sound: A Collection Of Music To Accompany David Toop's Book (1996) 2 CDs
EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 664 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 343 Mb | Scans ~ 64 Mb | 02:28:56
Ambient, Experimental, Free Jazz, Rock, Classical | Virgin | # AMBT 10, 7243 8 41367 2 7

The audio companion to David Toop's excellent book advances the case he made, that Les Baxter, Aphex Twin, The Beach Boys, Herbie Hancock, King Tubby and My Bloody Valentine are all related by their effect on sound pioneering. A double-disc set, Ocean of Sound impresses not only with its incredible diversity of musical styles, but with how easily these artists work next to each other. The second disc includes consecutive contributions by Paul Schütze, the Velvet Undergound, Holger Czukay of Can, The Beach Boys, African Headcharge and Sun Ra. Besides illustrating Toop's point beautifully, the album is an excellent addition to the collection of any wide-ranging ambient fan.

Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton - Fleurs (2015)

Posted By: Designol
Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton - Fleurs (2015)

Carolyn Sampson, Joseph Middleton - Fleurs (2015)
Schumann, Britten, Purcell, Fauré, Gounod, R.Strauss, Schubert, Poulenc, Debussy, Boulanger

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 272 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 168 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical, Vocal | Label: BIS | # BIS-SACD-2102 | Time: 01:08:50

Those of us who rejoice in the crystalline beauty of Carolyn Sampson’s interpretations of Bach, Handel and Purcell will welcome this bouquet of songs on a floral theme, her debut recital disc. It’s been a long wait, but our patience is repaid handsomely. With pianist Joseph Middleton she savours some choice blooms from, among others, Britten, Chabrier, Schubert, Schumann, Gounod and Strauss, her glorious soprano particularly affecting in Fauré’s Le papillon et la fleur and the wonderfully perfumed Les roses d’Ispahan. Middleton plays with dextrous delicacy throughout and brings real virtuosity to Strauss’s Mädchenblumen. Highly recommended.

Mariangela Vacatello - Claude Debussy: 12 Etudes, Estampes, Deux Arabesques, L'Isle joyeuse (2012)

Posted By: Designol
Mariangela Vacatello - Claude Debussy: 12 Etudes, Estampes, Deux Arabesques, L'Isle joyeuse (2012)

Mariangela Vacatello - Claude Debussy: 12 Etudes, Estampes, Deux Arabesques, L'Isle joyeuse (2012)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 216 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 181 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Brilliant Classics | # 94371 | Time: 01:16:41

The Debussy-year 2012 brought a wealth of reissues on the market, but surprisingly few new recordings. Reason the more to welcome this new recording of a generous selection of Debussy piano works, centred around the substantial “12 Etudes”.These works, written in the later stage of Debussy’s creative life, form the apotheosis of his style. Far from any evocative “impressionistic” Tonmalerei or picturesque atmosphere painting they are Debussy’s answer to the Etudes of Chopin, purely abstract creations of melody, harmony and rhythm. Fiercely uncompromising and difficult, they form the summit of Debussy’s piano oeuvre, and one of the highest challenges to any performing pianist. The exciting young Italian pianist Mariangela Vacatello is a Liszt specialist, renowned for her passionate performances and technical ability. She has given concerts at prestigious venues across the USA and Europe, and she has won many awards. These include second prize at the Franz Liszt International Piano Competition in 1999, and the Internet Audience Award at the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. ‘A very exciting player’ Musical Opinion, 2008.

Boston SO, Charles Munch - Claude Debussy & Maurice Ravel: Orchestral Works (1962/2006) Japanese Blu-Spec CD, 2009

Posted By: Designol
Boston SO, Charles Munch - Claude Debussy & Maurice Ravel: Orchestral Works (1962/2006) Japanese Blu-Spec CD, 2009

Claude Debussy: Prélude À L'Après-Midi D'Un Faune; Nocturnes; Printemps
Maurice Ravel: La Valse; Boléro
Boston Symphony Orchestra; Charles Munch, conductor

EAC | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 297 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 149 Mb | Scans ~ 52 Mb
Genre: Classical | Label: BMG Japan | # BVCC 20008 | Time: 01:05:26

There could be no better introduction to the sound of the Boston Symphony, in the repertoire in which it became most famous, than this French collection with Charles Munch. Sometimes wild and unpredictable in concert performances, Munch's conducting here is both visceral yet elegant, full of mystery when called for and unbridled in its passion at other times. 1962 Recordings.

Lucy Crowe, Malcolm Martineau - Claude Debussy: Songs, Vol. 4 (2018)

Posted By: Designol
Lucy Crowe, Malcolm Martineau - Claude Debussy: Songs, Vol. 4 (2018)

Claude Debussy: Songs, Vol. 4 (2018)
Lucy Crowe (soprano), Jennifer France (soprano), Christopher Maltman (baritone)
Malcolm Martineau (piano), Lucy Wakeford (harp)

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 213 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 150 Mb | Artwork included
Classical, Vocal | Label: Hyperion | # CDA68075 | Time: 01:03:18

The fourth and final installment in a complete edition of Debussy songs might not seem to be a chartbuster, but that's just what this release by British soprano Lucy Crowe has become, and it deserves every bit of its success. In fact, you might even pick this one over the other three if you're looking to sample Crowe's approach: the program is exceptionally well put together, and it begins with Debussy's first published song, Tragédie, of 1881. There are several other early songs, giving insight into the young Debussy's romantic life as well as hints of the musical language to come and some real experiments (you could sample the Rondel chinois). From there, the program proceeds to later music but is not strictly chronological: instead Crowe leads you onto a path of extremely quiet songs wherein Debussy challenges the soprano to reside in her upper register, and Crowe meets the challenges beautifully. The tension is remarkable, with just a single piano solo and a pair of songs to Debussy's own texts (Nuits blanches, or Sleepless Nights) with baritone Christopher Maltman to break it. The music broadens out with some later songs, ending with Debussy's swan song, Noël des enfants qui n'ont plus de maisons, of 1915. The contributions of pianist Malcolm Martineau are substantial; he produces some truly eerie sounds in the quieter pieces. Highly recommended and often haunting.

Alexei Lyubimov - Claude Debussy: Preludes (2012) 2CDs

Posted By: Designol
Alexei Lyubimov - Claude Debussy: Preludes (2012) 2CDs

Alexei Lubimov - Claude Debussy: Preludes (2012) 2CDs, Recorded in 1971
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 379 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 245 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Melodiya | # MEL CD 10 02002 | Time: 01:34:45

Two books of Debussy’s piano preludes were composed in 1910 and 1913, respectively. Unlike similar opuses by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin and others, they had no tonal sequence, and each piece was conceived as an individual work. In whole, the cycle is a sort of concise encyclopedia of the great French composer’s music with its fanciful and sophisticated, but so imperceptibly attractive combination of romanticism and impressionism, centuries-old traditions of piano music and cultural paradoxes of the 20th century. The titles Debussy gave to each of the preludes (they are sooner poetic metaphors) are put in the end rather than in the beginning of the notes and not intended to impose a certain character on the listener. Instead, they seem to ask riddles as if they check whether the mood of a piece is caught correctly. Debussy’s preludes found a fine and thoughtful interpreter in the person of Alexei Lyubimov.