Claude Above! Debussy is Heavenly

Debussy work is finely coloured and played by Jean-Efflam Bavouzet.

Composer: Debussy
Repertoire: Complete Works for Piano, Vol.1: Préludes, Books I & II
Artists: Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano)
Rating: 4/5

Genre: Instrumental

Label: Chandos CHAN 10421

Debussy’s two books of 24 Préludes for solo piano are a veritable catalogue of novel effects and ingenious textural interplay. One interesting touch was his insistence that the individual titles be given at the end of each piece so that the performer might be able to form his or her own impressions before discovering the true source of Debussy’s inspiration. There is an emotional directness about Bavouzet’s Debussy that is reminiscent of the great Samson François, tempered by a palette of glowing autumnal colours more in line with Gordon Fergus-Thompson’s outstanding series for ASV. Blessed with outstanding Ralph Couzens sound, this bodes well for future releases.