Search - Claude Debussy, Alexis Weissenberg :: Debussy: Piano Works

A Refreshing Breath of Fresh Air

Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 01/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard and admired Rubinstein, Van Cliburn, Vasary, and Entremont playing some of these pieces, among others. Weissenberg plays them with a fresh approach to tempo and rubato. The rhythm is more heavily accentuated than in the other pianists' versions. In addition to several of the more well-known works of Debussy, Weissenberg chose to include "Etude No. IXI pour les Arpeges Composes" in this recording and he makes it into a hypnotic miniature fireworks display of his virtuosity.



The slower pieces, such as "Clair de lune," are played with sensitivity and tenderness, with Weissenberg bringing out the beauty of every note while never losing the forward momentum of the piece, gradually building its level of sound and intensity and then taking it back down; it's a magical performance.



The first three selections, "Pagodes," "La Soiree dans Grenade" and "Jardins sous la pluie" are exotic perfumed slices of musical heaven, with "Pagodes," especially, being exquisitely performed. The "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" and "L'Isle Joyeuse" are a scintillating cascades of notes, while "Serenade for the Doll" is absolutely charming. Although my sentimental favorite of the different versions of "La Plus que Lente" remains Rubinstein's 1970 recording, this one by Weissenberg is also wonderful; it's different, fresh, with a more pronounced rhythm in the faster passages that evokes the image of dancers in a ballroom.



Perhaps my favorite selection on this CD is "The Snow is Dancing," which Weissenberg plays in such a way that one can practically see the swirling snowflakes dancing in the air. Actually, all of the selections are beautiful small musical gems, played with elegance, grace, charm, and passion. This CD receives my highest recommendation.



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Hurtling tempos,woodpecker staccato

James Walters | Scotland | 11/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most infamous discs of Debussy's piano works ever recorded,sealing Weissenberg's controversial reputation.The rather conservative Penguin Record Guide disliked it so much that they awarded no stars and said it was 'totally unacceptable artistically' and 'the most brutal account of Debussy ever committed to disc'.

That was back in the mid-eighties.Now,his approach seems like a breath of fresh air:woodpecker like staccato in the Passepied from the 'suite bergamasque'and swirling cascades of notes in a double expresso account of 'L'isle Joyeuse'.

Fast,hurtling tempos and disregard for the softer end of the spectrum are the norm in these performances but that is part of the pleasure in a peculiar sort of way as the charisma of the playing is inescapable.A quick comparison with a young glamorous french pianist in the same works,everything is more flat footed,less visceral.

While not quite in the same league as the Bach and Rachmaninov Weissenberg also recorded for DG at the end of his career,this is still worth getting to know!"

A different take on Debussy

Deborah Palser Lafky | Southern California | 02/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, although long out of date, retains a crisp and refreshing air that must be heard to be appreciated. Yes, Weissenberg leaves behind the dreamy melodicism of others, but by contrast, he plays in a way that will keep you awake. This is no opium dream!"