Search - Claude Debussy, Tamas Vasary :: Debussy: Favorite Piano Works

An Absolute Pleasure

Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 12/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to as fine a pianist as Tamas Vasary playing these works by Debussy is an absolute pleasure. To be able to get such an excellent CD at such a low price is an added bonus. I have heard and admired Vasary's interpretations of Chopin and consider him, together with Rubinstein, Horowitz, Arrau (especially the Nocturnes), and Argerich, to be among the best performers of Chopin's compositions.



However, this was the first time I'd heard Vasary playing Debussy. He brings to Debussy the same finesse, thoughtfulness, sophistication, and obvious love for the music he is playing as he does to Chopin. Vasary's performance of Clair de Lune is, in some passages, perhaps a bit too slow and deliberate in comparison to other versions I've heard, such as the ones by Van Cliburn or Entremont, either of which I prefer. Also, I prefer Rubinstein's version of La plus que lente recorded in the same year, 1970. However, I am still giving this CD five stars because of its overall outstanding quality. The Passepied of the Suite Bergamasque is wonderful, as are the Arabesques No. 1 and No. 2.



The three sections of "Pour Le Piano", are played with scintillating brilliance. The Toccata section is a wonderful display of virtuoso fireworks and is performed with flair, energy, and passion.



In L'Isle joyeuse and in Masques, Vasary displays the same brilliant technical command joined with real feeling for the music, as in Pour le piano. Vasary's interpretation of these works is like an invigorating charge of electricity in the fast passages, giving a superbly controlled energetic splendour to this music that is nevertheless reined in, kept in check, contributing to a feeling of power and tension in these works. Overall, there is a real feeling of majesty and exotic passion in Vasary's performance. The rising and falling tension, of tautness followed by relaxation as Vasary makes the transition from fast to slow tempos, is part of what makes this a truly worthwhile listening experience.



The sound quality of the piano is crystal clear and has a fullness, freshness, and immediacy to it, capturing all of the nuances and dynamic range of Vasary's performance. However, this is an analog recording made in 1970 and, unfortunately, there is an audible tape hiss in the background. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent CD."

One of the last colorists!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 05/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the privilege to watch this famed pianist in Caracas, in 1990. He is refined pianist, a colorist with an accurate sense of the tune, gifted with a charming temperament, always searching the texture in the score, with a visible tendency to explore the impressionist corners of the work.



That is why his Debussy possesses that lyrical flight and enraptured scent. In spite of the fact the presence of other pianists much more renowned, I would suggest you to acquire this rewarding option, maybe you get by far, much more than you originally expected.



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