Debussy - Preludes

[Don Petter]

Among several recordings, with considerably more of book 1 than book 2, I have a 2 LP mono set of both books by the pianist Reine Gianoli, of whom I have never otherwise heard. The records are Nixa Westminster recordings, undated but from somewhen in the 1950s.

That's all and it all seems a long time ago. Does anyone know any more about her?

There is a highly regarded recording of all Schumann's solo piano works, from 1974, on a number of Ades CDs. (According to one French source, the first complete such survey on disc.) She was born and died in Paris (1915-1979) and was a pupil of Cortot. She also started to record all the Haydn pianos trios with J-F Manzone and A Tetard, but this project was never completed.

[gradus]

There's info about her via Google but I'd not come across her recordings and in the earliest Gramophone record catalogues to hand (1966) her recordings aren't listed nor is she in the 1951 Record Guide. Perhaps her discs were only available for a short time in the UK or were never released here?
Youtube has a performance of a Novelette, op 21 no 8. (in quite good sound) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFSbcdqKeKE
as well as some other performances by her.
Thanks for drawing attention to an artist that has previously eluded me completely. On the evidence of this performance, her Schumann set is one to get.

[gradus]

Apologies for wandering off topic, I seem to have posted a recording of Schumann on a Debussy -devoted thread.

[umslopogaas]

M17 gradus

These two LPs of the Debussy Preludes are the only recordings by Reine Gianoli I possess and as far as I recall, the only ones I've ever seen. They are on the Nixa label, undated but from deep in the mono era. Codes are WLP 6214-1 and 6214-2.

Nixa was a UK company, later taken over by Pye. However, these are labelled "A Westminster Recording", which means they originated with the New York-based Westminster Recording Company and were issued by Nixa in the UK under licence. This was normal practice at the time, I think there were restrictions on importing and selling foreign goods directly, presumably to protect UK manufacturers from competition. American Mercury recordings, for example, were issued on the English Mercury label, which was owned and manufactured by HMV.

I've been collecting LPs of this vintage for a long time, but have rather few Nixas and even fewer Westminsters, I think they were pretty small fry compared to HMV, Decca and the like, and survivors are few.

[silvestrione]

There is a wonderful disc in BBC Legends of Sviatoslav Richter playing all of Bk 2 and most of Bk 1. It is my favourite Debussy playing, but you can't go wrong with Arrau and Gieseking.

I would love to hear Samson Francois though: is that easily available, I wonder?

[PJPJ]

Samson Francois' Debussy and Ravel cycle was available in a cheap EMI box.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Debussy-Ravel-Piano-Works-Claude/dp/B0002RUAEM/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1294920913&sr=1-3

I have long enjoyed Martino Tirimo's Debussy collection - if you don't like church acoustic try before you buy. Recently, though, Bavouzet's recordings have impressed me enormously.

[Don Petter]

There's info about her via Google but I'd not come across her recordings and in the earliest Gramophone record catalogues to hand (1966) her recordings aren't listed nor is she in the 1951 Record Guide. Perhaps her discs were only available for a short time in the UK or were never released here?

Picking a Gram Cat at random from about the right time (I haven't got time to go up and down the shelf at the moment), these were her recordings listed in June 1958 (All Nixas):

Debussy: Estampes/Preludes complete WLP6214
Mendelssohn: Piano Concerti WLP 20016
Mozart: Two Piano Concerti K242, K365 WLP5095
Mendelssohn: Various Piano Works WLP5329

It was me who was guilty of moving from Debussy to Schumann, via Gianoli, but I think it was worth bringing her recordings of the latter to general notice!

[rubbernecker]

I have three sets of these, Arrau, Gieseking & Michelangeli.

Do I need another?

I find it increasingly hard to differentiate between 'need' and 'nice to have':

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=83324

[Nick Armstrong]

I have three sets of these, Arrau, Gieseking & Michelangeli.

Do I need another?

I was given Dino Ciani's recording in a "Brilliant" box for Christmas. One of the most convincing I have ever heard, beautifully recorded.

I agree with rubbernecker on the "need" / "nice" distinction...

[Norfolk Born]

I have long enjoyed Martino Tirimo's Debussy collection

If cost is an issue, Tirimo's Preludes are very competitive, being on a single Regis disc.

[Basil]

Thanks for replies,

I find it increasingly hard to differentiate between 'need' and 'nice to have':
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/...album_id=83324

I think it would be very nice to have Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet added to my collection!

Unfortunately, I've already blown this month’s CD budget by quite a margin!

[Ferretfancy]

Caliban, I still have the Ciani on LP, and I was lucky enough to have it played as a request some years ago on CD Masters ( Sigh!! )
Had he lived he would have been among the very greats by now.
The Bavouzet set is also superb, but one warning, if anybody is tempted by his recent recording of the Ravel concertos, sample before buying. I find them disappointing, and the sound is very artificially balanced,not the best that Chandos can do.

[Nick Armstrong]

Caliban, I still have the Ciani on LP, and I was lucky enough to have it played as a request some years ago on CD Masters ( Sigh!! )
Had he lived he would have been among the very greats by now.
The Bavouzet set is also superb, but one warning, if anybody is tempted by his recent recording of the Ravel concertos, sample before buying. I find them disappointing, and the sound is very artificially balanced,not the best that Chandos can do.

Interesting, ff. I guess if you made the request, you clearly rate Ciani's performances on the disc as highly as I do... Would be very interested if you could put your finger on why they are so good. I find it difficult to describe.

I downloaded the Bavouzet concertos for a modest fee. The G major works nicely, and seems to suit the temperament of the performers and the recording itself, but the Left-Hand pales beside Aimard with Cleveland/Boulez - have you heard that new one???