BaL 25.01.14 - Debussy: Images Books 1 & 2 for Piano

[silvestrione]

I have that classic DG recording of Arturo Benedetti Michaelangeli. C/w Children's Corner suite(If I remember!)

I have loved that recording over many years. I guess Ogawa and Bavouzet came over as a little more poetic and relaxed, but I still think it's incomparable in many ways.

Curious that this BAL has attracted so little interest on these boards. Are Debussy's Images not popular? I'm surprised.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Curious that this BAL has attracted so little interest on these boards. Are Debussy's Images not popular? I'm surprised.

About the same number of responses as last week's Poppea, which I (also) found surprising. The more popular topics seem to be those where Forumistas defend their favourite recordings from the less enthusiastic comments of the reviewers, which tend to occur mostly in the 18th & 19th Century orchestral repertoire. So it goes.

[verismissimo]

About the same number of responses as last week's Poppea, which I (also) found surprising. The more popular topics seem to be those where Forumistas defend their favourite recordings from the less enthusiastic comments of the reviewers, which tend to occur mostly in the 18th & 19th Century orchestral repertoire. So it goes.

Not sure I've noticed this, ferney.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Not sure I've noticed this, ferney.

butterwouldntmeltemoticon

[Black Swan]

Interesting the lack of comments. I haven't because I didn't listen to all the BAL. I have the Kocsis recordings which were at the time I bought them raved about. Yesterdays reviewer did not rate them. For some reason, I could not get all that interested. I wonder how the BAL reviews are chosen. I am surprised next week we are getting the Grieg Concerto.

[ardcarp]

I am surprised next week we are getting the Grieg Concerto.

Blow the concerto. It's DON's virtuoso performance I'm looking forward to.

[Barbirollians]

Blow the concerto. It's DON's virtuoso performance I'm looking forward to.

Indeed , his recommendation is always good for a laugh.

[zola]

The cynic in me wonders if Ogawa was selected simply so that they could plug the repeat of her Saturday Classics presenting stint ( which they duly did )

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Interesting the lack of comments. ... I am surprised next week we are getting the Grieg Concerto.

Interesting, perhaps, that the Grieg has already inspired almost as many posts before its broadcast as the Debussy has after. (Including a couple on the Debussy Thread!)

[Nick Armstrong]

butterwouldntmeltemoticon

Blow the concerto. It's DON's virtuoso performance I'm looking forward to.

My sentiments exactly!! In both respects.

Caught up with the Images BAL this morning. Obnoxious personal comment first - I find SW difficult to listen to, he always sounds as if he's talking with a large sweet rolling around in his mouth.

It was one of those BALs with a relatively small roster of selected recordings from the full range available, with no explanation of how the 'list' was arrived at - so Planès, Michelangeli et al don't get a mention. It's an old moan - I suppose we're meant to take on trust that he's heard them all and for various nameless reasons, this is the starting grid for the final. I'd personally like a few highlights of the heats.

Yes the pedalling question seemed high on the agenda - I was surprised to hear the Bavouzet set criticised as when those recordings came out, the received wisdom was that they were as good as it gets I've never liked the recording quality of the Rev recording that was illustrated, it always seems 'dirty' somehow, unclear in a strange way....

But agreed, at the end of the day, that the Ogawa sounded wonderful - but I don't think I shall invest - because I have to say, the programme reminded me above all how much more I love Ravel's piano music than Debussy's.

[Thropplenoggin]

It was one of those BALs with a relatively small roster of selected recordings from the full range available, with no explanation of how the 'list' was arrived at - so Planès, Michelangeli et al don't get a mention. It's an old moan - I suppose we're meant to take on trust that he's heard them all and for various nameless reasons, this is the starting grid for the final. I'd personally like a few highlights of the heats.

Except that Michelangeli did get a mention.

[Nick Armstrong]

Except that Michelangeli did get a mention.

Oh did he?! ...apologies to Mr Walsh... Must have been a somewhat passing mention...

[verismissimo]

Interesting, perhaps, that the Grieg has already inspired almost as many posts before its broadcast as the Debussy has after. (Including a couple on the Debussy Thread!)

No contest in my mind as to which is the greater composer (if we're still allowed to propose such unsustainable judgements).

[BBMmk2]

I stick with that marvellous Michaelangeli recording! :)

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

No contest in my mind as to which is the greater composer (if we're still allowed to propose such unsustainable judgements).

Nor in mine - and I won't be as diplomatic as you in not making clear my preference . I love Grieg's Music - marvellously poised, lovely gift for melody, adventurous use of harmony, and largely avoiding the temptation to bombast that afflicted some of his contemporaries - but Debussy has my jaw dropping at every bar: the imagination, the audacity the achievement. Utterly astonishing from every aspect.