Afternoon Nocturnes

Track Listings
 
1. Prelude - Remembrance
2. Luna D'Espagna
3. Autumn Sighs
4. Jane's Daybreak
5. Riding the Crest
6. Berceuse
7. Silent Voices
8. Las Terrenas
9. Serenade
10. Spirit of the Wind
11. Lullaby

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Original Piano Solos

Afternoon Nocturnes,Robert Hitz


Afternoon Nocturnes

Afternoon Nocturnes
Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful set of orchestral music for an amazing price
  • A good gift for novice
Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00012QLTQ
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful set of orchestral music for an amazing price.......2007-08-05

I will admit that when I first ordered this 20 cd set from Amazon I was very skeptical and hesitant. I figured what kind of quality am I going to get for $16.97?! But when I got it in the mail and started listening to some of the cd's I was more than pleasantly surprised. The music contents on each is cd has the complete versions of the each song or theme. You know how a lot of cd sets just have the short versions or arrangemnts of songs to cut down on the price, but not on this set. Every cd runs anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours of listening time. Even though the box set is called orchestral spectaculars if you like piano music there is a Liszt cd in the set with The Fantasy on Beethoven's The Ruins of Athens for piano, Malediction for piano and orchestra and Grande Fantasie Symphonique on Berlioz's Lelio for piano and orchestra. There is also a Rachmaninov in the set with his First Piano Concerto in F Sharp Minor and the original full length 30 minute version of his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Even if you listen to mostly piano music there are many versions based on them. For example, Brahms 21 Hungarian Dances that were written for solo piano, but in this set they are orchestrated. I had never heard the pieces like that before. It was nice to get a different perspective of the music. The same goes for Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition also written for piano, but here it is in a symphonic form and I enjoyed it just as much as the solo piano version. If you love opera, but are maybe someone that likes the orchestral part more than the singing there are many cd's in this set for that as well. There are 2 cd's of Wagner's music with my favorite prelude of all time Isolde's Love Death from Tristan and Isolde. Overtures from all of Rossini's and Rimsky Korsakov's operas. I think this cd would be a great place to start for someone who is new to classical music and doesn't want to spend a lot of money or if you love classical music as I do and want to hear new versions of your favorite pieces or just want to add to your cd collection you can do that for under $1.00 a cd. How many times have we all spent more than the price of this set for only one cd? I highly recommend this set. The sound quality and choices of music are excellent. Anyone who buys this will not be disappointed.

4 out of 5 stars A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.
Debussy: La Mer
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • La Mer is one of my all-time favorites
  • Wonderful
  • Great interpretations, but the recorded sound is ok
  • Ravishing Debussy from a master of French music
Debussy: La Mer

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta; Hungarian Sketches

ASIN: B00002MXMY
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

  1. La Mer: I. De l'aube a midi sur la mer
  2. La Mer: II. Jeux de vagues
  3. La Mer: III. Dialogue du vent et de la mer
  4. Jeux
  5. Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): La Cour des lys
  6. Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): Danse extatique et Final du Premier Acte
  7. Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): La Passion
  8. Le Martyre de Saint Sebastien I (Fragments symphoniques): Le Bon Pasteur
  9. Prelude 'aprmidi d'un faune

Tracks:

  1. Images pour orchestre: Gigues
  2. Images pour orchestre: Iberia: I. Par les rues et par les chemins
  3. Images pour orchestre: Iberia: II. Les Parfums de la nuit
  4. Images pour orchestre: Iberia: III. Le Matin d'un jour de f
  5. Images pour orchestre: Rondes de printemps
  6. Trois Noctures: Nuages
  7. Trois Noctures: Fs
  8. Trois Noctures: Sirs
  9. Printemps: Trmod
  10. Printemps: Mod

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars La Mer is one of my all-time favorites.......2006-01-11

There is nothing quite like Dutoit's handling of some of Debussy's timeless masterpieces. All have enormous strength and have clear sound quality. The piece that gives me the shivers the most is La Mer. It has the perfect oceanic feeling that some other conductors forget about. I can just imagine the stormy sea letting out its dangerous but majestic fury when listening to the third movement. Images for Orchestra and Printemps are also fabulous. Highly recommended for those who are interested in impressionistic music.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful.......2004-03-30

Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top-notch form. Dutoit handles these works well, bringing delicacy of phrasing, sweeping crescendos, and awesome sonics. Rarely does can an orchestra sound calm, quiet, even serene AND loud, dramatic, and forceful. La Mer is particularly striking in Dutoit's hands. Decca's crystal clear sound makes this set even more attractive. Highly recommended.

4 out of 5 stars Great interpretations, but the recorded sound is ok.......2002-08-30

Charles Dutoit does so pretty wonderful things with this Debussy set and his orchestra is in top notch form. However, the reason I gave this CD set only 4 starts is because the recorded sound less much to be desired. The cd sound is very "echo"y, it sounds like the orchestra is playing in a cave, not a concert hall. If that doesn't bother you then go for this set. As for me, I want Debussy with a little clearer of a sound.

5 out of 5 stars Ravishing Debussy from a master of French music.......1999-12-11

Most of Dutoit's Debussy recordings were released at the beginning of the 1990s and are of the same very high standard of his Ravel and Poulenc recordings, and it is good to have the best-known of them reissued on a well-documented 2-CD bargain set. The sound quality is fantastic. This set comes into competition with Haitink's excellent Philips Duo set, and choice between the two sets will probably be determined by the minor works included. The Haitink set has long been the first recommendation in this repertoire, and the analogue sound is excellent, if not as spectacular as that of the Dutoit set. It should be noted, however, that those who buy the Dutoit set along with Martinon's "Orchestral Works II" set on EMI's Double Forte label will have obtained virtually all of Debussy's orchestral compositions and transcriptions all for not too many dead presidents.
Debussy, Ravel: Complete Works for Piano Duet and Two Pianos
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Superlative Performances
Debussy, Ravel: Complete Works for Piano Duet and Two Pianos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007RA7AY
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

  1. I. En Bateau
  2. II. Cortege
  3. III. Menuet
  4. IV. Ballet
  5. Marche Ecossaise Sur Un Theme Populaire
  6. I. Pour Invoquer Pan
  7. II. Pour Un Tombeau Sans Nom
  8. III. Pour Que La Nuit Soit Propice
  9. IV. Pour La Danseuse Aux Crotales
  10. V. Pour L'Egyptienne
  11. VI. Pour Remercier La Pluie Au Matin
  12. Lindaraja
  13. I. Avec Emportement
  14. II. Lent - Sombre
  15. III. Scherzando
  16. Prelude A L'apres-Midi D'un Faune
  17. I. Nuages
  18. II. Fetes
  19. II. Entre-Cloches

Tracks:

  1. I. Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant
  2. II. Petit Poucet
  3. III. Laideronnette, Imperatrice Des Pagodes
  4. IV. Les Entretiens De La Belle Et De La Bete
  5. V. Le Jardin Feerique
  6. Frontispice: For Two Pianos And One Hand
  7. Mouvement De Vaise Viennoise
  8. I. Prelude A La Nuit
  9. II. Malaguena
  10. III. Habanera
  11. IV. Feria
  12. I. L'Escarpolette
  13. II. La Toupie
  14. III. La Poupee
  15. IV. Les Chevaux De Bois
  16. V. Le Volant
  17. VI. Trompette Et Tambour
  18. VII. Les Bulles De Savon
  19. VIII. Les Quatre Coins
  20. IX. Colin-Maillard
  21. X. Saute-Mouton
  22. XI. Petit Mari, Petite Femme!
  23. XII. Le Bal
  24. L'Apprenti Sorcier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Superlative Performances.......2007-03-07

Superlative Duo in superlative music - really sums up these performances. The Debussy is sublime from the "Six Epigraphes antiques" the exotic,"Lindaraja", the spirited,"Marche Ecossaise",the charming, "Petite Suite", to the modern abstract,"En Blanc et noir". The Ravel is as ravishing and the music's strong linear sweep is revealed in two pianos or four hands(with Ravel's "Frontispice" for two piano with one hand - an unusual combination). This is music that brightens up your aural realm!
Debussy: Nocturnes; La Mer; Prélude a l'apres-midi d'un faune
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Sharp-edged and robust at times, but still quite enjoyable
  • Opposite of Amazon.com Review
Debussy: Nocturnes; La Mer; Prélude a l'apres-midi d'un faune

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Solti, Sir GeorgSolti, Sir Georg | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Debussy: Mer No1-3; Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
  2. Debussy: La Mer
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ASIN: B00000420X
Release Date: 1992-11-10

Tracks:

  1. Nocturnes: I. Nuages
  2. Nocturnes: II. Fetes
  3. Nocturnes: III. Sirenes
  4. La Mer: I. De l'aube A Midi Sur La Mer
  5. La Mer: II. Jeux De Vagues
  6. La Mer: III. Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer
  7. Prelude A L'apres - Midi D'un Faune

Amazon.com

Although conductor Georg Solti was not known for his Debussy, these early-1990s live recordings in Chicago demonstrate both his sensitivity to the nuances of these popular scores and his orchestra's expressive capabilities. Unfortunately, the performances fail to conjure the requisite energy and dynamism in Nocturnes, and, in spite of the excellent sonics, orchestral timbre suffers from anemia. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Sharp-edged and robust at times, but still quite enjoyable.......2007-04-27

The Amazon reviewer is right to point out that the latter Solti of the 90s could be a bit anemic, but this wasn't the CD to use to make that point. It's too robust if anything, and the CSO brass bark too much. But for sheer precision and excellence in the recorded sounnd, this Debussy colleciton has few peers. Of the Trois Nocturnes, I've come to think that the masterpiece is the third movement, Sirenes, and here the women of the Chicago Sym. chorus are truly exceptional, singing with amazing accuracy and beauty of tone.

Solti is up against dozens of rivals in La Mer, including Reiner and the same CSO at the top of their game. Like Reiner, Solti's reading attempts little in the way of interpretation but offers many thrills in its virtuosic execution. Conductors tend to use La Mer as a showpiece now, and this recording is no exception. The Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun is suitably erotic and relaxed, although Solti doesn't dawdle by any means. In all, this live recording is about as agreeable as any Solti CD I can think of.

5 out of 5 stars Opposite of Amazon.com Review.......2005-03-27

I find this Debussy quite stimulating, in contrast to the Amazon.com review which is rather unkind to this work. Hearing a conductor like Solti, known for harshness, doing something like Debussy is interesting in itself - and the music here speaks quite plainly for itself. It is not romantically or impressionistically molded and crafted, but instead played with characteristic Solti/CSO boldness and "tang." If you like music with some life, not lush/plush plodding of cool intellectualism, this CD is a great buy. Solti I often find to be underated, most likely due to his brash sound not always being welcomed by the ears of more sensitive subjects. Debussy pulsates with life, though, and I personally find a a good match here with Solti, though as all reviews created equal, whether by some top notch critic or a simpleton, that's only my opinion.
Debussy: Nocturnes No1-3; Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A great conductor and his vision of Debussy
  • Food for the Imagination
  • very distinctive Debussy!
  • Sublime Stokie!
Debussy: Nocturnes No1-3; Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00004TIPT
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

  1. Prld A L'Apres-Midi D'un Faune - Julius Baker
  2. Trois Nocturnes: I. Nuages - LSO/Leopold Stokowski
  3. Trois Nocturnes: II. Fetes - LSO/Leopold Stokowski
  4. Trois Nocturnes: III. Sirenes - LSO/Leopold Stokowski
  5. Ste Bergamasque: Clair De Lune - Leopold Stokowski SO/Leopold Stokowski
  6. Images Pour Orch: Iberia, No.2: I. Par Les Rues Et Par Les Chemins - L'Orch Nat De La Radiodiffusion Francaise/Leopold Stokowski
  7. Images Pour Orch: Iberia, No.2: II. Les Parfums De La Nuit - L'Orch Nat De La Radiodiffusion Francaise/Leopold Stokowski
  8. Images Pour Orch: Iberia, No.2: III. Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete - L'Orch Nat De La Radiodiffusion Francaise/Leopold Stokowski

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A great conductor and his vision of Debussy.......2006-06-27

'Fantasia' made Stokowski a pop star, but it nearly ruined his serious reputation in the bargain. Born in 1882, he was already middle-aged when he gave up the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1938, and yet he had almost four decades to go, some of it glorious, a lot of it not. The low point of his reputation was probably in the Fifties when these incredible recordings were made. His vision of Debussy was dreamlike, while at the same time making every emotional gesture ripe and vivid.

The New York pickup group that recorded Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun features Julius Baker, first flute of the NY Phil., and no doubt the other wind soloists, all placed prominently close to the mike, were first desk men, too. Their ensemble is beautiful and nuanced as only the best musicians can deliver. Stokowski's pace is slow, and you welcome every lingering phrase.

The Trois Nocturnes and Iberia come from the sessions with the London Sym., and here Stokowski pulls his trick of reshaping the orchestra's sound to make it his own. The degree of control and hushed moodiness in Nuages is hypnotic--has this music ever sounded so enchanted? The raucous procession in Fetes explodes with color but remains mysterious, as befits night music. What stands out here, as everywhere on this CD, is Stokowski's ability to shape rhythms so that they feel utterly fresh and natural, no easy thing in Debussy's world of artifice. The sirens in the last movement not only sing seductively, but Stokowski remains aware that they are hidden by the cloak of night. The sound is vivid and detailed, though not as close up as the New York L'Apres midi.

After that intoxicating Nocturnes--a rare compliment for a work that can seem chilly and aloof in ocncert--the world of Iberia is even more colorful. I don't know why Stokowski only conducted the middle section of Images pour orchestre. I do know I've never heard Debussy's Spain evoked with so much blood in its veins. This isn't Spain seen (and felt) through shimmering gauze, but a land of exciting passion. This is an ideal CD for anyone who finds Debussy too vaporous and impressionistic. The LSO winds are tangy and squawky, which makes the color palette even more earthy.

In sum, a great recording in which every item goes to the top of the list.

5 out of 5 stars Food for the Imagination.......2005-04-30

Claude Debussy is one of my favorite composers and, as such, this is one of my favorite CD's. I could not imagine not having it as apart of my collection. Now, even though the pieces were recorded in 1957-1958, the CD has been digitally remastered and I can honestly say that it seems as though it was recorded yesterday ~ it is that crystal-clear perfect. For myself, this CD is like a book of poetry detailing abstract but familiar concepts or settings and, on those grounds, it is worth getting. I think that Debussy is an exceptional technician in the art of turning the abstract into something that is tangible and has definite form. He knows how to communicate love of another or of nature, of the human created environment, or just awe inspired grace that, for myself, makes him a true master of his craft.

5 out of 5 stars very distinctive Debussy!.......2002-08-11

The word that most readily comes to mind for me to describe these performances (in full bodied early stereo sound) is passionate. No detachment or distancing a la Boulez but instead, a very overt engagement with both the sensual aspects of the music, as in his performance of the Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faune, the Three Nocturnes and the slow movement of Iberia, and the fiery ones, as in the first and third movements of Iberia. Only Munch's Debussy has the same degree of overt emotionality, though with a more Berlioz like nervous intensity instead of the molten sensual flow of Stokowski. A definite recommendation for both Stokowski and Debussy lovers.

5 out of 5 stars Sublime Stokie!.......2000-11-26

When it comes to creating orchestral magic, there really was no else like Leopold Stokowski. With an orchestral master like Debussy, this is a match made in heaven. These old Capitol recordings from the late 1950s are a pure delight. Julius Baker's flute on "Prelude" is in a class by itself, and although I prefer Boulez's recent DG recording of "Nocturnes", Stokowski's performance is wonderful just the same with otherworldly BBC Women's Chorus singing in the third movement. The recording, naturally for Stokowski, is in excellent 1950s stereo and not a hiss is to be found. Stokowski's transcription of "Clair de Lune" is not too gooey, and "Iberia" has plenty of Spanish sizzle. Debussy fans might have their more favorite conductors, but Stokowski shows once again there were few pieces of music (Mahler, for example) he couldn't make his own. Anyone interested in Debussy and/or Stokowski should not hesitate.
Debussy: Orchestral Music
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Fantastic set
  • great collection
  • Beautiful music
  • Great
  • Comfy Debussy, for when you don't want to be seduced
Debussy: Orchestral Music

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Debussy: Piano Works
  2. Debussy: The Complete Works For Piano
  3. Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Tchaikovsky / Karajan, Rostropovich,
  4. Liszt: The Two Piano Concertos; The Piano Sonata
  5. Dvorák: The Symphonies

ASIN: B00000417P
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Berceuse heroique
  2. Images: Gigues
  3. Images: Iberia: Par les rues et par les chemins
  4. Images: Iberia: Les perfums de la nuit
  5. Images: Iberia: Le matin d'un jour fe fete
  6. Images: Rondes de printemps
  7. Jeux: Poeme Danse
  8. Marche ecossaise

Tracks:

  1. Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune
  2. Nocturnes: Nuages
  3. Nocturnes: Fetes
  4. Nocturnes: Sirenes
  5. La Mer: De l'aube a midi sur la mer
  6. La Mer: Jeux de vagues
  7. La Mer: Dialogue du vent et de la mer
  8. Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
  9. Dances For Harp And Strings: Danse sacree
  10. Dances For Harp And Strings: Danse profane

Amazon.com

Bernard Haitink's recordings of the Nocturnes and Jeux were hailed as among the finest available when initially issued. That LP provided rather short measure. Now you can get all of Debussy's most important orchestral music on two CDs for the price of one, and if the remaining performances don't quite reach the exalted level of the Nocturnes and Jeux, they come so close as to make no difference. Haitink was not a very assertive conductor (and he's gotten less so with age), but he was fortunate to have one of the world's best orchestras at the tip of his baton, and their recordings were a true collaborative effort. Their approach works particularly well for Debussy. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic set.......2007-05-02

This set is wonderful for anyone who is looking to get acquainted with Debussy, as well as anyone looking for new interpretations of his famous orchestral work. This 2 disk contains my favorite rendering of the majestic "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun", as well as my favorite recording of the three Nocturnes and "Images". These three pieces are improved by the warm and luminous, yet vague ("impressionistic") sound of this recording.

The harp dances sound wonderful. So does the clarinet rhapsodie. The soloist has wonderful tone.

Elsewhere, the audio quality is my only complaint about this set - "La Mer", being as it is a highly dense, orchestrated piece of work, would benefit from added clarity and higher audio fidelity, but the version here is still very good. The other piece that suffers from the overly reverberant, slightly muddy sound is "Berceuse Heroique", an amazing and powerful shorter piece, summarizing whole years of life in a blur of 5 minutes... here, unfortunately, the louder moments turn into incoherent chaos.

All of the playing is fantastic, the intonation is great... I've never heard this music so expressive.

Highly recommended for definitive versions of "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun", "Nocturnes" and "Images". Everything else is good as well. 4.5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars great collection.......2007-03-13

The first concert I ever saw in the Kimmel Center was Valery Gergiev conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra playing La mer, Prelude de l'apres-midi d'un faune, and a Schubert symphony. The orchestra was under-rehearsed, but I remember being transfixed during both Debussy pieces (and I think Gergiev received quite a standing ovation). There is something special about Debussy's orchestral music that few other composers (Ravel, perhaps) can match.

The individual performances in this collection are not mindblowingly brilliant, but as a whole, this collection is quite satisfying. The Concertgebouw Orchestra plays well, as usual, and it's helped by great recording quality (voted Gramophone Magazine's best engineered recording in 1980). If you want more unique performances of individual pieces, look at Munch (for example), but if you want a well-played, comprehensive collection, get this CD. It's one of my favorites.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful music.......2006-10-23

I can't get enough of these discs; the sound is superb! A fabulous journey into the "impressionist" art of Debussy.

5 out of 5 stars Great.......2006-05-27

True, Haitink is not a "ZIP! ZING! POW! conductor" like David A. FLetcher mentioned in his review (I thought it was funny put, so I wanted to quote it), but he sure knows how to let the music do the speaking.

These are not "impressionistic" readings and I'm glad they're not, although the orchestra sounds warm and round, a little "cosy" if you like, but that's fine, I love the sound.
The playing is accurate and flexible and I think Haitink's "Images" is one of the best recordings I heard of this work, next with Boulez' excellent recording on DG.

The "Prelude a l'apres midi.." is a bit on the slow side and some nice details you'll hear in Boulez' recordings (Sony and DG) are somewhat underplayed...or not very good recorded?, but the mood and sound are great.

I think the sound of the RCO and Philips analogue recording are superb and do great justice to Debussy's musical universe.
Boulez might be more idiomatic, his recordings are the standard for me, but the warmer sound of the RCO with Haitink on Philips is something special indeed.

Excellent disc.

4 out of 5 stars Comfy Debussy, for when you don't want to be seduced.......2005-11-04

I am a little miffed for believing the reviewers here about this Philips two-fer. I would have assumed that Haitink, the maestro of middle-of-the-road, would give us comfortable, well-balanced, plain-faced Debussy, not sparkling, enchanting Debussy. As it turns out, that assumption was right. These Seventies recordings, some in excellent sound (Jeux and Trois Noctournes in particular), are lusciously played. But attentive as Haitink is, there is no seductiveness to the music.

I'm not being all that critical: in the wrong hands Debussy's gossamer textures and irregular rhythms get sea-sick and swoony. Haitink is sober all the way, his La Mer too much so, and also his Prelude to the Afternoon of a Fuan. The two most famous readings in this set, Jeux and the Nocturns, benefit from Haitink's modesty. By keeping the rhythm steady and being scrupulous about orchestral blend, both works sound beautiful without becoming luxuriant or slippery.

Nothing in Haitink's hands sounds like Ravel, and that's a high compliment. For that reason, I will keep this set. I don't need to be enchanted every day.
Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The only set you need
  • Outstanding performances at any price
  • More Evocative than some of Mahler's Symphonies
  • One stop shopping! Unparalleled Debussy, and excellent Ravel
  • In Debussy Martinon is unbeatble!
Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
Claude Debussy , Jean Martinon , and Orchestre de Paris
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Strauss: Orchestral Works
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  5. Stravinsky: Ballets; Stage Works; Orchestral Works

ASIN: B00006HM8X
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

  1. I: De L'aube A Midi Sur La Mer - Jean Martinon
  2. II: Jeux De Vagues - Jean Martinon
  3. III: Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer - Jean Martinon
  4. I: Nuages - Jean Martinon
  5. II: Fetes - Jean Martinon
  6. III: Sirenes - Choeurs De L'Ortf
  7. Prelude A L'apres-midi D'un Faune - Alain Marion
  8. Marche Ecossaise - Jean Martinon
  9. Berceuse Heroique - Jean Martinon
  10. I: Fanfare - Jean Martinon
  11. II: Le Sommeil De Lear - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

  1. Jeux (Poeme Danse) - Jean Martinon
  2. 1. Gigues/2. Iberia - Jean Martinon
  3. I: Par Les Rues Et Par Les Chemins - Jean Martinon
  4. II: Les Parfums De La Nuit - Jean Martinon
  5. III: Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete - Jean Martinon
  6. 3. Rondes De Printemps - Jean Martinon
  7. Premiere Partie - Jean Martinon
  8. Deuxieme Partie - Fabienne Boury

Tracks:

  1. 1. Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum - Jules Goetgheluck
  2. 2. Jimbo's Lullaby - Jules Goetgheluck
  3. 3. Serenade For The Doll - Jules Goetgheluck
  4. 4. The Snow Is Dancing - Jules Goetgheluck
  5. 5. The Little Shepherd - Jules Goetgheluck
  6. 6. Golliwoggs Cakewalk - Jules Goetgheluck
  7. I: En Bateau - Jean Martinon
  8. II: Cortege - Jean Martinon
  9. III: Menuet - Jean Martinon
  10. IV: Ballet - Jean Martinon
  11. I: Danse Sacree - Marie-Claire Jamet
  12. II: Danse Profane - Marie-Claire Jamet
  13. I: Le Magasin De Jouets - Jean Martinon
  14. II: Le Champ De Bataille - Jean Martinon
  15. III: La Bergerie A Vendre - Jean Martinon
  16. IV: Apres Fortune Faite - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

  1. I: Andante - Allegro - Aldo Ciccolini
  2. II: Lento E Molto Espressivo - Aldo Ciccolini
  3. III: Allegro Molto - Aldo Ciccolini
  4. La Plus Que Lente - John Leach
  5. Premiere Rapsodie Pour Orchestre Avec Clarinette Principale - Guy Dangain
  6. Rapsodie Pour Orchestre Et Saxophone Solo - Jean-Marie Loneix
  7. Khamma - Fabienne Boury
  8. Danse: Tarantelle Styrienne - Jean Martinon

Tracks:

  1. Bolero - Marcel Galiegue
  2. Une Barque Sur L'Ocean (Miroirs: No.3) - Orchestre De Paris
  3. Prelude - Orchestre De Paris
  4. Premier Tableau: Danse Du Rouet Et Scene - Orchestre De Paris
  5. Deuxieme Tableau: Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant - Orchestre De Paris
  6. Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
  7. Troisieme Tableau: Les Entretiens De La Belle Et De La Bete - Orchestre De Paris
  8. Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
  9. Quatrieme Tableau: Petit Poucet - Orchestre De Paris
  10. Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
  11. Cinquieme Tableau: Laideronnette, Imperatrice Des Pagodes - Orchestre De Paris
  12. Interlude - Orchestre De Paris
  13. Sixieme Tableau: Le Jardin Feerique - Orchestre De Paris
  14. Alborada Del Gracioso (Miroirs: No.4) - Andre Sennedat
  15. I: Prelude A La Nuit - Orchestre De Paris
  16. II: Malaguena - Orchestre De Paris
  17. III: Habanera - Orchestre De Paris
  18. IV: Feria - Orchestre De Paris

Tracks:

  1. Sheherazade: Ouverture De Feerie - Orchestre De Paris
  2. La Valse (Poeme Choregraphique) - Orchestre De Paris
  3. I: Prelude - Orchestre De Paris
  4. II: Forlane - Orchestre De Paris
  5. III: Menuet - Orchestre De Paris
  6. IV: Rigaudon - Orchestre De Paris
  7. Menuet Antique - Orchestre De Paris
  8. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Michel Garcin-Marrou
  9. 1. Modere - Orchestre De Paris
  10. 2. Assez Lent - Orchestre De Paris
  11. 3. Modere - Orchestre De Paris
  12. 4. Assez Anime - Orchestre De Paris
  13. 5. Presque Lent - Orchestre De Paris
  14. 6. Assez Vif - Orchestre De Paris
  15. 7. Moins Vif - Orchestre De Paris
  16. 8. Epilogue: Lent - Orchestre De Paris

Tracks:

  1. Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  2. Danse Religieuse - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  3. Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  4. Danse Generale - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  5. Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  6. Danse Grotesque De Dorcon - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  7. Danse Legere Et Gracieuse De Daphnis - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  8. Scene - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  9. Nocturne - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  10. Danse Lente Et Mysterieuse Des Nymphes - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  11. Interlude - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  12. Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  13. Danses Guerrieres Et Diverses - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  14. Danse Suppliante De Chloe - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  15. Introduction - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  16. Lever Du Jour - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  17. Pantomime - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera
  18. Danse Generale - Bacchanale - Choeurs Du Theatre National De L'Opera

Tracks:

  1. Lento - Aldo Ciccolini
  2. Piu Lento - Aldo Ciccolini
  3. Allegro - Aldo Ciccolini
  4. I: Allegramente - Jean-Claude Malgoire
  5. II: Adagio Assai - Jean-Claude Malgoire
  6. III: Presto - Jean-Claude Malgoire
  7. Lento, Quasi Cadenza - Moderato - Itzhak Perlman

Amazon.com

At long last, Jean Martinon's classic EMI Debussy and Ravel cycles from the 1970s have been gathered in a space-saving, budget-priced box set. If you love this repertoire, you'll gasp with joy at the conductor's crystal-clear orchestral balances, which truly reproduce what you see in the printed music. If you respond to a lean, sinewy approach to this repertoire in the manner of Toscanini and Boulez, but pine for the timbral characteristics that used to distinguish French orchestras (silver-coated strings, tart woodwinds, and slightly watery brass) in gorgeous, vibrant sonics, Martinon's your man. Aldo Ciccolini's crisp, diamond-edged finger work stands out in Ravel's two piano concertos and in Debussy's rarely heard Fantasie. The young Itzhak Perlman's dazzling, effortless traversal of Ravel's Tzigane will humble many an aspiring fiddler. And you won't find a more sparkling, translucent Ravel Mother Goose Suite on record. Martinon was a marvel, and a sadly underrated podium giant. Grab this set while you can. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The only set you need.......2006-01-13

After owning dozens of Debussy, Ravel recordings, all I can say is ,
if you have this set, no need to look further.
My Ingelbrecht sets are good, but Martinon is better.
Forget the Munch and Monteaux, Bernsteins, Levine, Karajan (UUCCKKKK) etc etc.

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding performances at any price.......2005-04-28

This boxed set provides a comprehensive collection of the orchestral works of both Debussy and Ravel. Jean Martinon conducts the Orchestre National de l'ORTF in the Debussy and the Orchestre de Paris in the Ravel pieces. The sound is stunning, and the performances are extraordinarily engaging. I have other sets of music by these composers (Simon and the Philharmonia Orchestra for the Debussy) Michal Tilson Thomas and the LSO as well as Boulez and the Berlin Philharmonic for some of the Ravel pieces (Boulez and the NY Phil for Daphnis and Chloe) but these other sets do not contain all the music in the 8 CDs by Martinon and his orchestras. I agree with the other reviewers who find the Debussy especially compelling. I am listening to La Mer now, and the recording captures the performance perfectly, clearly separating the horns, strings and woodwinds and providing a great balance. This is a very dramatic reading of La Mer! However, I find the Ravel performances equally inspired. The Daphnis and Chloe performance is tremendously exciting, and the ballet Ma Mere l'Oye is exquisite. When I decided to buy this set, I was looking for performances that would give me new insight into familiar works and also introduce me to some musical treats like Debussy's La Boite a Joujoux. I was not disappointed. This set is not just a bargain, it's a real treasure!

5 out of 5 stars More Evocative than some of Mahler's Symphonies.......2005-01-25

I can't exactly visualise the oils of the French impressionists when hearing these pieces. But I do know what the other reviewer is talking about and the point is well made. They are so inspiring and evocative that they touch your heart strings perhaps deeper than most of Mahler's symphonies despite Mahler's gigantic orchetrations! The recorded sound is excellent: and the conductor is obviously gifted and the orchestra is just beautiful despite the fact that I am no big fan of either Ciccolini or Perlman. Believe it or not, in Hong Kong HK Records and HMV are selling the boxset at about 60% of the listed price in US: a real bargain. Grap it while it is still available, particularly those who live in HK.

5 out of 5 stars One stop shopping! Unparalleled Debussy, and excellent Ravel.......2004-11-21

I've treasured both of these cycles since the 1970s when both appeared in single LP installements, each one eagerly awaited with deserved anticipation. To get them both in outstanding remasterings in a bargain priced box set is almost unthinkable. I'd pay twice the price, even more, if I had to for these recordings.

Other recordings of individual works may excel these, like Karajan's La Mer, or Monteux's Daphnis, Haitink's Nocturnes, and so on. But when listened to in such consistent interpretations as these from Jean Martinon, the works as a whole take on a different dimension. Each work is like a chapter in a novel, and they all weave together to make a very satisfying experience that is quite different than one gets with just the individual compositions.

That is especially true of the Debussy.

Two different Orchestras are represented. The Debussy are performed by the French National Orchestra, the Ravel by the more well known Orchestre De Paris, an orchestra that made recordings in those days with such notables as Kerbert von Karajan and Seiji Ozawa. The Debussy, though is actually better executed. The ensemble is tighter, the string tone more sumptuous.

The Debussy has no competition for completeness. No other conductor has traversed the entire orchestral output with the thoroughness that Martinon has. Boulez is probably the closest available. I think very highly of the Boulez recordings, especially the newer ones for DG. But the interpretations lack the unity and consistency that Martinon maintains throughout the cycle.

There is more competition with the Ravel, though. When issued, the cycle was met equally by an excellent set from the Minnesota Orchestra under Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, which came in a box at a lower price. Again, Martinon won my heart for his consistency. The Skrowaczewski was better executed by the Minnesota Orchestra than Martinon's Orchetre De Paris. The EMI sound was better, but back then the quality of the Angel LPs was terrible, so the Skrowaczewski go tthe nod for technical superiority unless you were fortunate enough to get your hands on more expensive import copies of the Martinon. There was a cycle from Ozawa on DG also, but artistically it could not match up with the other two. When CDs were introduced, along came Charles Dutoit and the Montreal SO on London/Decca. And they came with a huge splash and acclaim. I puked! and I have always puked when I hear Dutoit conduct anything, with maybe one or two exceptions. Dutoit makes Ravel sound too smooth and glossy. I do give the Decca engineers great credit for the sound (though the Daphnis gets my vote as the worst CD ever produced, being that it was 55 minutes long with no tracks or indexes!).

Now that EMI have so excellently remastered the Martinon recordings though,the choice for a complete set of the orchestral works is very clear. The experience of Martinon's unified consistent interpretations is not quite the same with Ravel as it is with Debussy, partly owing to a less well formed vision from that composer than Debussy. Debussy was more rigid in his world view and musical thought throughout his life, whereas Ravel wavered in many different directions.

When you consider the price, there no reason to think twice about this set. The accompanying booklet is not extremely comprehensive, but adequate enough.

5 out of 5 stars In Debussy Martinon is unbeatble!.......2004-07-31

Jean Martinon is the last director really inmersed in the impresionist mood . His performances are deeply inspired and above all idiomatic . Marie Claire Jamet in the Sacred Dances is absolutely comitted with the elusive forms and pagan enchantment.
Martinon belonged to that hard to find status conductor who really know to engage with the composer mood . So when he played his music the results were overwhelming . He had a enormous gift to suggest . I still remind The Prokoviev seventh symphony with the Chicago Symphony and I can not get another first movement so well performed , for instance .
Back to Debussy he combines the charm and nuance with that incorporean and elusive approach that Debussy and Ravel demands . I state a parallel (if I may) between Martinon - Debussy and Beecham - Delius in what idiomatism concerns .
When Martinon performs Debussy the paintings of Matisse , Monet and Manet seem to awake and come to our mind .
The prientemps and the children 's corner are absolutely of first rate . The clarinet rhapsody is the best in the market .
In the images I prefer the Ansermet version , but the whole set is fundamental if you enjoy the orchestral music of Debussy.
Notice I have not mentioned Ravel works . I have another name in Ravel : Andre Cluytens . But this is out of context.
Debussy: Mer No1-3; Nocturnes No1-3
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Ormandy and Kinc = Greatness
  • Delightful Debussy
Debussy: Mer No1-3; Nocturnes No1-3

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
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  4. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6/Capirccio Italien/Waltz & Polonaise From Eugene Onegin
  5. Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 "Romantic"

ASIN: B0000028WW
Release Date: 1993-10-19

Tracks:

  1. La Mer: I. De l'aube a midi sur la mer
  2. La Mer: II. Jeux de vagues
  3. La Mer: III. Dialogue du vent et de la mer
  4. Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune
  5. Danse (Tarantelle styrienne)
  6. Nocturnes: I. Nuages
  7. Nocturnes: II. Fetes
  8. Nocturnes: III. Sirenes

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Ormandy and Kinc = Greatness.......2006-04-14

Eugene Ormandy always did have the lush sound that fits Debussy beautifully. The Philadelphia Orchestra is absolutely on top of their game and the Nocturnes have rarely sounded more sensual than they do here. How lucky we are that Sony Classical gives out such pearls at such prices! A special highlight here is Faune with William Kincaid sitting out his last year on the flute throne - a fortunate record indeed. If you play or love the flute, be sure to get this recording. Kincaid trained most of the great American flute players of the mid 20th Century (Julius Baker was one of his more famous students), thereby spreading his voice through the decades to the present day. It's a wonderful thing to hear the master do it himself. Absolutely an essential recording for all the pieces represented.

5 out of 5 stars Delightful Debussy.......2003-07-07

In the 1950s and 60s, CBS/Columbia (now Sony Classical) had the great fortune to have three of America's best orchestras and their conductors on its recording roster -- Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra. Nearly a half-century later, sadly only Leonard Bernstein remains a name that even the non-classical music world knows well. But in the world of the compact disc, this is a wonderful thing, because while Leonard Bernstein analog stereo recordings sell at mid-price, classic performances by Ormandy and Szell are regulated to the budget line. Well, my friends there is justice because the vast majority of these "budget line" recordings are not only amazing, but some are still considered definitive more than 40 years later! This 1959 golden-age stereo recording of Debussy's "La Mer" by Ormandy and the Philadelphians has to be included in that list. Throw in terrific performances of "Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune," "Danse" (both from 1959), and the "Nocturnes" (from 1964), and you've got a classic disc. Never did something of such high quality come at such a small price. Enjoy!
Debussy: Complete Works for Orchestra
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Better in the less-familiar works
Debussy: Complete Works for Orchestra

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Complete Orchestral Works
  2. Debussy: Complete Chamber Music
  3. Elgar: The 2 Symphonies; Enigma Variations; Overtures; Serenade; Violin Concerto; Cello Concerto
  4. Debussy: The Complete Works For Piano
  5. Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

ASIN: B0000VM3YA
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

  1. I. De L'aube A Midi Sur La Mer Tres Lent - Modere, Sans Lenteur (Dans Un Rythme Tres Souple
  2. II. Jeux De Vagues - Allegro (Dans Un Rythme Tres Souple)
  3. III. Dialoque Du Vent Et De La Mer - Anime Et Tumultueux
  4. 1. Nuages - The Renaissance Singers
  5. 2. Fetes - The Renaissance Singers
  6. 3. Sirenes - The Renaissance Singers
  7. I. Tres Modere
  8. II. Modere
  9. Prelude A L'apres-midi D'un Faune - Colin Fleming

Tracks:

  1. Images: 1 Gigues - Rachel Ingleton
  2. I. Par Les Rues Et Par Les Chemins
  3. II. Les Parfums De La Nuit
  4. III. Le Matin D'un Jour De Fete
  5. Images: 3. Rondes De Printemps
  6. Poeme Danse
  7. Legende Dansee

Tracks:

  1. Prelude - Tres Modere
  2. Modere (D'abord Hesitant, Puis En Animant Beaucoup)
  3. Moderement Anime
  4. Tres Modere
  5. Meme Mouvement
  6. Epilogue - Christopher Blake
  7. I. Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum. Moderement Anime
  8. II. Jimbo's Lullaby. Assez Modere
  9. III. Serenade For The Doll. Allegretto Ma Non Troppo
  10. IV. The Snow Is Dancing. Moderement Anime
  11. V. The Little Shepherd. Tres Modere
  12. VI. Golliwog's Cake-Walk. Allegro Giusto
  13. I. En Bateau. Andantino
  14. II. Cortege. Moderato
  15. III. Menuet. Moderato
  16. IV. Ballet. Allegro Giusto
  17. Allegretto Scherzando
  18. Allegretto

Tracks:

  1. I. Andante Ma Non Troppo - Allegro Giusto - Anne Queffelec
  2. II. Lento E Molto Espressivo - Anne Queffelec
  3. Allegro Molto - Anne Queffelec
  4. Reveusement Lent - Christopher King
  5. Danse Sacree. Tres Modere - Rachel Masters
  6. Danse Profane. Modere - Rachel Masters
  7. Tres Modere - Gerard McChrystal
  8. Avec Une Elegance Grave Et Lente
  9. Quasi Una Cadenza - Tempo: Modere Et Tres Souple
  10. Lent - Derek Bell
  11. Andante, Tres Expressif

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Better in the less-familiar works.......2007-04-22

Yan-Pascal Tortelier produces a surprisingly French timbre from the Ulster Orchestra (in contrast to the women's chorus in "Sirenes," which wafts to the ear as endearingly and beguilingly--if incongruously--Irish), and this conductor clearly knows his Debussy. Yet like another Frenchman who recorded a comprehensive survey of Debussy's orchestral music, Jean Martinon, Tortelier makes a stronger impression with the lesser-known works, many of them orchestrated by hands other than the composer's. As fluent as the music-making is, all too often there's something tossed-off and careless about it. This manifests in overly-smooth phrasing and inconsistent orchestral balances--sometimes tellingly transparent, sometimes skewed to over-emphasize a particular strand at the expense of coherence. For this reason, Tortelier's "La Mer" and "Nocturnes," unfortunately, cause me to think of other, more successful performances I'd rather be hearing, and likewise "Jeux," although "Images" is a winner. Throughout the cycle, I'm not too crazy about Chandos' very resonant and distant sound, which gives the music an opulence that is foreign to its character--and creates its own intereference with details registering properly. Moreover, "La Mer" has been recorded with an exaggeratedly wide dynamic range, so that the opening bars are nearly inaudible. Still, there isn't too much competition for Debussy sets that offer this much music at a bargain price.
Panorama: Claude Debussy
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The best, if not the most, Debussy that money can buy.
  • A fine collection
  • Essential Debussy
Panorama: Claude Debussy

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ContemporaryGeneral Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
FluteFlute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
CelloCello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by DebussyAll Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Deutsche Grammophon: MusicDeutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00004W3IP
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

  1. Prelude A L' Aprews - Midi D' Un Faune
  2. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: I. Anime' Et Tres Decide'
  3. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: II. Assez Vif Et Bien Rythme'
  4. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: III. Andantino, Doucement Expressif
  5. String Quartet In G Minor, Op. 10: IV. Tres Modere' - Tres Mouvemente' Et Avec Passion
  6. Syrinx
  7. Estampes: I. Pagodes. Moderement Anime'
  8. Estampes: II. La Soiree' Dans Grenade. Mouvement De Habanera
  9. Estampes: III. Jardins Sous La Pluie. Net Et Vif
  10. La Mer: I. De L' Aube A Midi Sur La Mer. Tres Lent
  11. La Mer: II. Jeux De Vagues. Allegro
  12. La Mer: III. Dialogue Du Vent Et De La Mer. Anime' Et Tumultuex

Tracks:

  1. Preludes, 1Er Livre: I. Danseuses De Delphes. Lent Et Grave
  2. Preludes, 1Er Livre: II. Voiles. Modere'
  3. Preludes, 1Er Livre: III. Le Vnt Dans La Plaine. Anime'
  4. Preludes, 1Er Livre: IV. Les Sons Es Les Parfums Tournent Dans L'Air Du Soir. Modere'
  5. Preludes, 1Er Livre: V. Les Collines D' Anacapri. Tres Modere'
  6. Preludes, 1Er Livre: VI. Des Pas Sur Lew Newige. Triste Modere
  7. Preludes, 1Er Livre: VII. Ce Qu' A Vu Le Vent D' Oouset. Anime' Et Tumultueux
  8. Preludes, 1Er Livre: VIII. La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin. Tres Calme Et Doucement Expressif
  9. Preludes, 1Er Livre: IX. La Serande' Interrompue. Moderement Anime'
  10. Preludes, 1Er Livre: X. La Cathedrale Engloutie. Profondemt Calme
  11. Preludes, 1Er Livre: XI. La Danse De Puck. Capricieux Et Leger
  12. Preludes, 1Er Livre: XII. Minstrels. Modere'
  13. Sonata For Violoncello And Piano: I. Prologue. Lent
  14. Sonata For Violoncello And Piano: II. Serenade. Moderement Anime'
  15. Sonata For Violoncello And Piano: III. Finale. Anime'
  16. Nocturnes: Nuages. Modere'
  17. Nocturnes: Fetes. Anime' Et Tres Rythme'
  18. Nocturnes: Sirens. Moderement Anime'

Amazon.com

Terrific value, both in playing time (CD 2 alone plays for more than 81 minutes) and artistic merit. Karajan's 1964 La Mer has long been recognized as one of the classics of the gramophone, and Abbado's acutely atmospheric account of the Nocturnes with the Boston Symphony Orchestra is scarcely less distinguished. We stay in that city for both the gorgeous Prelude à l'après-midi d'un faune (a voluptuously ecstatic performance from 1971 under the gifted young baton of Michael Tilson Thomas) and a ravishing Syrinx from the BSO's eloquent principal flute, Doriot Anthony Dwyer. And the pleasures don't end there: there's a live Estampes from the peerless Sviatoslav Richter, while the Melos Quartet of Stuttgart's version of the String Quartet can hold its own against any rival--as does a sublime, indeed inspirational rendering of the Cello Sonata from Mstislav Rostropovich with composer Benjamin Britten at the piano. By the way, it's a sobering thought to remember that the legendary Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli's crystalline, immaculately turned interpretation of the First Book of Preludes originally occupied one full-price CD on its own. In other words, if DG's selection appeals (and it certainly should), don't hesitate for a moment. --Andrew Achenbach

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best, if not the most, Debussy that money can buy........2004-03-29

Clocking in at more than two-and-a-half hours of music by Debussy, this is one of the best collections of his music that money can buy. It includes definitive performances of his most popular symphonic, chamber, and solo piano works. Michelangeli, for instance, is known for, above all, his interpretations of Debussy. Gramophone magazine says of these recordings "Michelangeli subjects each note to the last refinements of shading and places it with hairsbreadth precision." Throughout their mature careers, Rostropovich and Britten were frequent collaborators in the repertory for cello and piano, including this very work. (Britten dedicated his solo cello suites to Rostropovich.) The Melos' recording of Debussy's String Quartet is among the best available, and better than most. Nearly forty years after it's initial release, von Karajan's 1965 recording of La Mer with the Berlin Phil has stood the test of time, repeatedly deleted and then added back to the DG catalogue. Though only in his mid-20s when he made this Debussy Afternoon of a Faun with the BSO, M.T.T. delivers a ravashing and colorful account. And so on. An excellent addition to the collection of either a classical music beginner or one with more refined aural tastes.

5 out of 5 stars A fine collection.......2003-07-27

This collection offers a very representative mixture of Debussy's works from orchestral, solo piano and chamber genres. However, I would offer two caveats. First, as to the La Mer, the Karajan performance is distinguished by the sensuous sheen he imparts to the music, but for a tarter, more idiomatically French approach, I would suggest listening to the Munch-Boston or Casadesus recordings as well. Secondly, as to the Michelangeli performance of the Book One Preludes, although impeccably played, this is a noticably deliberate and cold sounding rendition. For more warmth, flow and color, look elsewhere. Nevertheless, this set is an excellent introduction to Debussy.

5 out of 5 stars Essential Debussy.......2000-12-29

This is a wonderful Debussy compilation. The recordings total nearly 3 hours and give an excellent representation of Debussy's works. This is a great CD for people who do not have Debussy in their CD collection. Included in the CD are Debussy's "La Mer," "Préludes," and the masterpiece "Prélude á l'Aprés-midi d'un Faune." The CDs are perfect for putting on while taking a nap, reading, etc...

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