Search - Claude Debussy, Steven Osborne :: Debussy: Préludes

Exceptional

jsa | San Diego, CA United States | 11/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Claudio Arrau's classic recordings of Debussy's preludes from the late 1970's are the yardstick by which I measure other readings of these works. They are still my first choice, however, Steven Osborne has delivered a very convincing set of preludes that are beautifully recorded. He has a genuine feel for this music and his readings, while often brisker than Arrau's, are appropriately impressionistic but with a little more bite to them. Osborne's technical equipment is exceptional and he sails through the tougher passages without a hint of effort, yet unlike many young pianists you never feel that his technique is deliberately on display. His treatments tend to be somewhat straightforward (but not prosaic) where Arrau lingers over details, as he is known to do; and while some may find Arrau a little too relaxed, when comparing the two approaches I think Arrau captures more of the magic. His use of space, so crucial in this music, is simply unequaled. But then, Claudio Arrau had been playing the piano for nearly 70 years when he recorded the preludes. Still, Osborne plays with a wisdom that belies his age (35) and the results are completely satisfying.



Osborne's readings of the second book of preludes sizzle, reminding me of Richter's exalted 1960's concert recording (Spoleto Festival, once available as a Turnabout LP). I cannot deliver praise higher than that.



In short these are wonderful readings of the preludes that are very highly recommended."

OSBORNE On-par with the best

Debby Morris | chicago il | 05/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steven Osborne is one of the best in the business. At a relatively young age I already include him among the finest living pianists and look forward to his releases with the same eager anticipation that I get from a Zimerman, Freire, Suk,Argerich, or Lupu[how rare they have become though] disc.

For me, Richter was the Debussy king. Thus all interpretations that follow are subconciously judged at that standard. Most hardly come close. Gieseking is phenomenal yet different, I do love arrau[as mentioned by another reviewer-though I love everything ARrau does] and feel that this rendition certainly is on par with the best.

While Hamelin seems to be getting all the attention, Osborne has been quietly releasing stunning recording after stunning recording. I was introduced to him through his Alkan Esquisses[a must have by-the-by...which I, for some odd reason assumed was Hamelin for about a year before I actually took the time to look at the case-confusing it with other Hamelin recordings]-His Tippett was revelatory, his Alkan Cello Sonata as exciting as anything I heard all last year[that final mvmt...]=and as I write this I am listening to his Rachmaninov Preludes set to be released within the coming weeks[and again....they hold their own with the very best].

Hyperion sound quality continues to be the best in the business. And with a recent Freire album[just book I], I hope more people will go for the talent that the big name.[THough the Freire album has some extremely magical moments]. GET BOTH."