Search - Claude Debussy, Gary Bertini, SWR Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Debussy: L'Enfant Prodigue/La Damoiselle Elue

A wonderful rendition of Debussy's operettas

05/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the only known recording of Debussy's "L'enant Prodigue" (Prodigal Son), and it is superbly rendered with excellent orchestration and vocals. The orchestral preludes to the two operettas, especially "L'enfant Prodigue", are beautiful. My only complaint is that there are only two tracks on the CD, one for each operetta. However, given their beauty, one is not tempted to skip around, but rather relax and listen to the CD in its entirety."

Interesting, caressingly lovely, early Debussy

BDSinC | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | 03/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Both these works are cantatas, not operettas as some would say, that were written during Debussy's student days while trying to win the Grand Prix of Rome competitions from the Conservatory. Few of his attempts achieved anything, but L'enfant Prodigue did meet the judges approval. The style of both works is not really like the music of Debussy most of us are familiar with, there are still remnants of influence from earlier times and earlier composers (a thing Debussy himself hated about both works, but which was required to fit the narrow views of the judges), yet one can feel the impressionistic impulse flowing even now. They are exceptionally beautiful works (even if the composer himself really didn't like either of them), and I really cannot see how one who enjoys Debussy could be disappointed with either work. As far as I know, this is the only recording of L'enfant Prodigue, but La Damoiselle Elue has been recorded by other artist, and I won't comment on those recordings as they were simply horrible. The sound is lush and moving and simply washes you away in melodic delight. The singers (I refuse to say they are "doing the vocals" for most people who "do vocals" these days can neither sing, nor even carry a tune, let alone ones as complex as one hears in either of these works; these works were written for singers who know about singing, not just people who can supply the "vocals" against some orchestra background) are exceptional. In L'enfant Prodigue we have the wonderful artistry of a young Jose Carreras whose voice is perfect at this time and well suited to the prodical son (which by the way, has very slight resemblance to the Bible parable, if that much, so don't try to read its meaning into this work). Jessye Norman, though earlier in her career (maybe more mid-way is more accurate) is perfect for the mother. Her famous aria from this work has been recorded by many singers, most with screechy high notes (and the piece isn't really written that high). The only singer who recorded it well prior to this was Leontyne Price, but all she recorded was the aria. Norman does a wondrous job in this role. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is perfect in his role of the father, too. La Damoiselle Elue is quite a different work. It has no reunion plot like the other work, in fact, it has really no plot at all. It is a collection of ideas. The music is extremely lovely, yet quite different from the other work. The only real draw back with this one is Cotrubas. Her voice is lovely, but somehow seems to record rather hollowly. However, that very small point takes nothing from a wonderful performance. This isn't the Debussy most of us are familiar with, but it is still him, he still wrote the works, and he still accomplished something wonderful with what he was given. I agree with the other reviewer, it is sad that the disk is divided only into two tracks. No one may not want to skip around a lot with these works, but one does quite often wish to relisten to some precious gem they just discovered, and having things divided only into the one work or the other makes that really sort of a hassle. Personally, I feel the conductor captured the spirit of both works very well. The sound is good. It is well worth the money even if you are not a total fan of Debussy. If you just love beautiful music well performed it is well worth listening to."

Absolutely Sublime!

Guntram | PR,Brazil | 12/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For years I was a Norman huge fan,so I own practically every recording by her.However,I'm propense to think this earlier "Lia" one of her most lovely peformances on disc."L'Enfant Prodigue",composed by a twenty two years old Debussy is a charming cantata,a few close to Massenet and Gounod.Fischer-Dieskau and a top form José Carreras sings the other two characters.This CD includes diaphanous,refined "La Damoiselle Elue",soloist Ileana Cotrubas.Debussy calls it "a lyric poem",absolutely beautiful,ethereal just like a feminine version to "Parsifal" if you listen final section,so glittering and quiet.Despite superstars,I believe conductor Gary Bertini bends a lot more deservings.It's hard enumerates his skills and french music affinities if you don't hear all music recorded here.The orchestra is superb,sounds reverberant,clear yet.Nothing less than sublime."