Search - Claude Debussy, Geoffrey Simon, The Philharmonia :: Debussy: The Philharmonia Volume One

Semi-heresy

Emily | Phoenix, AZ | 12/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This may be heresy, but I have to confess, "Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun" and "La Mer" are not my favorite pieces by Debussy. My favorites are on this album, performed beautifully by Geoffrey Simon and the Philharmonia. In fact, this is the Debussy album I love the best, the one I'd want to have with me if I were stranded (with lots of batteries and a good stereo system)on a desert island. All of the pieces are orchestral versions, beautifully arranged. "Nocturnes" and "L'isle joyeuse" are the best, but every single piece on this album is an absolute delight, and you may find that you have your own favorites when you listen to it (again and again, as it deserves).



I'm astounded that the other review of this album is luke-warm, because it's so lovely. I only write 5-star reviews, I like to spend my time promoting albums, books, and movies that aren't as well known, but that I consider to be treasures. This is one of them."

Deserves A Revival

A reader | New Orleans | 03/30/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a pity this has been dropped from the catalog. Don't let the obscurity of the conductor and label throw you, this is a top-rank recording. I have the Solti version of La Mer and there is little to choose between this and the Solti version. The performances are lush but focused, a balance that is difficult with Debussy's music, since I suspect it tends to tranquilize the players as much as the listeners. The sound here is closer miked than many orchestral works, but I would say it is a balance between the slightly distant, dry DGG house sound and the extroverted Columbia tone that is present, for better or worse, on most of Bernstein's recordings. Let this disc take you off to a Debussy wonderland!"