Debussy Piano Music

[Bryn]

In addition to those already mentioned I was going to suggest Livia Rev, but then I checked the current asking prices.

[Roslynmuse]

Wondering if Michel Béroff is still available (EMI, Préludes). Rogé good, Gieseking wonderful (but, as has been said, elderly recordings), Uchida excellent in the Etudes.

[johnb]

What do people think of the Jean-Efflam Bavouzet Preludes (Bks I & II)? This was Stephen Plaistow's first choice for Bk II in a BAL from 2008.

[Sir Velo]

For superlative pianism, I reckon you should definitely hear Richter in the Estampes. Moreover, there are also various BBC Legends discs of his recitals which include performances of individual Preludes and Images. Not the cheapest way to collect, but unmissable. OK, sound is not state of the art, but more than acceptable.

Zimerman in the Preludes is technically awesome; however, the performances are less than ideally atmospheric. The same could be said for Michelangeli.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Zoltan Kocsis. His recording of both books of the Images (and sundry rarities) represents an ideal combination of mastery and atmosphere, in excellent digital sound. A Gramophone Award winner, to boot (in the days when that meant something).

Finally, I would endorse the recommendations for Uchida in the Etudes. Stunning; no other words.

[amateur51]

If you want cheap and cheerful that's really all you need. Would also recommend Alain Planès as well as Paul Jacobs: Preludes books I & II on Nonesuch which I picked up for a song - but checking on Amazon just now I see it's gone up a bit.

I bought my copy of the Paul Jacobs set second-hand from the Amazon USA marketplace for a modest price about a year ago and it has given me great pleasure.

I second Bryn's advocacy of Livia Rev's recordings which I have on LP but not CD.

How fortunate we are to live at a time when this wonderful music is available in so many outstanding recordings

[rauschwerk]

Having got Tirimo in the Preludes (this very fine set got an honourable mention in the BaL in which Bavouzet came out tops) and Uchida in the Etudes I decided to download Bavouzet's recordings of everything else I wanted (Estampes, Pour le piano, L'isle joyeuse, Suite bergamasque, Childrens Corner and one of the Images). I haven't regretted it. This is very fine playing and Pour le piano in particular is an exciting and sensitive account to which I keep returning.

I have the Gieseking recordings but never play them now because the sound is so very disagreeable to my ears.

[Dave2002]

In addition to those already mentioned I was going to suggest Livia Rev, but then I checked the current asking prices.

Rev is excellent in the Etudes, and I possibly prefer her to Uchida. Agree about the prices though - I'm not selling my copy! Unfortunately I don't have the other Debussy CDs.

If anyone sees these cheap anywhere, such as a charity shop, grab 'em.

[Dave2002]

Rev is excellent in the Etudes, and I possibly prefer her to Uchida. Agree about the prices though - I'm not selling my copy! Unfortunately I don't have the other Debussy CDs.

If anyone sees these cheap anywhere, such as a charity shop, grab 'em.

Searches on the UK eBay site might prove fruitful. There might still be some here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REV-LIVIA-...40804337718%26

[johnb]

In addition to those already mentioned I was going to suggest Livia Rev, but then I checked the current asking prices.

I bought my copy of Rev's 4CD boxed set of Debussy from Ebay a few years ago. The set is still on Ebay, from the same seller at the astronomic price of £5.99 - but they only have one copy, so anyone interested should be quick. The only caveat is that the piano sound is acceptable but isn't up to modern recording standards.

Rev's 4CD boxed set on Ebay

[Edit] Sorry Dave, I missed your posting of the same link

[Bryn]

Searches on the UK eBay site might prove fruitful. There might still be some here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REV-LIVIA-...40804337718%26

One of the then 2 remaining copies will soon be Grooving its way to me. Given the prices for individual discs via Amazon, the asking price from Grooves is astonishing. Act fast. Still one copy left when I last looked.

[amateur51]

For those unfortunates like myself who are a bit strapped for cash at the moment, I'm pleased to say that there's are oodles of Livia Rev on youtube, including this fascinating comparison ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80h6JusBRq8

[Dave2002]

For those unfortunates like myself who are a bit strapped for cash at the moment, I'm pleased to say that there's are oodles of Livia Rev on youtube, including this fascinating comparison ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80h6JusBRq8am51

Are things really that bad? Sorry if so.

Bryn's giving you a strong hint that this should be a good deal. You could always sell the CDs on!

PS: Interesting YouTube comparison - Haskil, Haas, Rev. I was really taken with Haskil at first. All are very good.

[amateur51]

Are things really that bad? Sorry if so.

Bryn's giving you a strong hint that this should be a good deal. You could always sell the CDs on!

PS: Interesting YouTube comparison - Haskil, Haas, Rev. I was really taken with Haskil at first. All are very good.

It's a temporary situation, due to end next Thursday when that nice Mr Dunkin'-Smiff provides more funds, Dave2002. But thanks for your concern

[richardfinegold]

I haven't seen much mention of the 3 versions of the Preludes in my collection. Micheangeli and Zimmerman, both on DG; and the very old Frankl cycle on Vox.
The Micheangeli is pretty well regarded, and I have a soft spot for the Frankl. There do seem to be a lot of wonderful young Pianists issuing recording of these pieces, though, so it may be time to add another.

[Roslynmuse]

I'd forgotten about the six lp set of complete Debussy recorded by Peter Frankl in - I guess - the 60s and issued in the UK on Turnabout. Recorded sound leaves something to be desired, as was often the case with those Vox/Turnabout recordings (Brendel/Beethoven, Klein/Mozart, Kentner/Liszt, Ponti (there's a name we never hear now)/Tchaikovsky etc) - but rather good performances, as I recall. Incidentally, I also collected the Frankl Schumann cycle - 4 x 3 lp boxes issued in the UK in the late 70s, early 80s - many years later, finding the 5th (Vox) box, never released here, on eBay. Sorry, off-topic; but the Turnabout label was, I guess, the Naxos of its day.