Almost a century has passed since the premieres of Pelleas et Melisande and La mer, and Debussy's place as one of the greatest and most original composers in history is fully assured. Even so, the arrival of this extraordi... more »narily fine complete survey of his chamber music, from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, is cause for celebration because it glorifies a part of his output that is too often overlooked. The works are nicely grouped on three CDs: the late (and great) works for mixed forces on disc one; the early works (including the String Quartet in G minor) on disc two; and the two-piano works (some early, some late) on disc three. The renditions, recorded between 1995 and 1999 in various venues in New York and Los Angeles, are excellent across the board, with wonderful work from clarinetist David Shifrin, the Society's artistic director, as well as regulars Ransom Wilson, Nancy Allen, Paul Neubauer, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Ani Kavafian. The legendary Lee Luvisi joins McDermott in the music for piano duet, and André Watts delivers a star turn as pianist in the Petite piece and Premiere rhapsodie for clarinet and piano. Among the highlights are a soulful Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp, and a marvelous realization of the Quartet in G minor from the Orion String Quartet. Delos provides outstanding recorded sound and makes this generous compilation available at less than $10 per disc. --Ted Libbey« less
Almost a century has passed since the premieres of Pelleas et Melisande and La mer, and Debussy's place as one of the greatest and most original composers in history is fully assured. Even so, the arrival of this extraordinarily fine complete survey of his chamber music, from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, is cause for celebration because it glorifies a part of his output that is too often overlooked. The works are nicely grouped on three CDs: the late (and great) works for mixed forces on disc one; the early works (including the String Quartet in G minor) on disc two; and the two-piano works (some early, some late) on disc three. The renditions, recorded between 1995 and 1999 in various venues in New York and Los Angeles, are excellent across the board, with wonderful work from clarinetist David Shifrin, the Society's artistic director, as well as regulars Ransom Wilson, Nancy Allen, Paul Neubauer, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Ani Kavafian. The legendary Lee Luvisi joins McDermott in the music for piano duet, and André Watts delivers a star turn as pianist in the Petite piece and Premiere rhapsodie for clarinet and piano. Among the highlights are a soulful Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp, and a marvelous realization of the Quartet in G minor from the Orion String Quartet. Delos provides outstanding recorded sound and makes this generous compilation available at less than $10 per disc. --Ted Libbey
CD Reviews
An excellent collection
F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 07/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Delos 3-CD set of (DE 3167) is perhaps the second most beautiful compilation in my collection. For this not quite but nearly monumental collection, clarinetist David Shifrin acted as Artistic Director and gathered a small constellation of artists to participate: pianists Andre Watts, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Lee Luvisi; violinists Joseph Silverstein and Ani Kavafian; cellist Fred Sherry; and flutist Ransom Wilson. Among the longer pieces are the Sonatas "for Cello and Piano," "for Flute, Viola and Harp," and "for Violin and Piano," the "String Quartet" and the "Piano Trio in G Major." the third CD is devoted to Debussy's piano music: "En blanc et Noir," "six epigraphes antiques," and "Petite Suite." There are also six shorter selections to round out the program. While most collection probably have all or most of these, I think at the special price with which this set is marketed, it would make a lovely addition, not to mention a terrific and thoughtful gift. By the way, the most beautiful set I own is the now out of print 4-CD set on EMI of music by Rodrigo--in case you wondered."
SUPERB DEBUSSY
MOVIE MAVEN | New York, NY USA | 12/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a terrific way to introduce yourself to the "smaller" works of Claude Debussy---or perhaps to re-introduce yourself. Here is every piece of chamber music this giant of the 20th century wrote and in memorable performances on three CD's & almost three full hours of gorgeous music. There are even some star performers in the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: pianist Andre Watts, flutist Ransom Wilson, harpist Nancy Allen to name just three. It's hard to choose favorites, but the "Premiere Rapsodie" for clarinet and piano & "Syrinx" for flute & the best version I've ever heard of the "String Quartet in G Minor" head my list. I have one minor quibble: I understand full well that music companies are now trying to help save our environment and, thus, trying to come up with new ways to package CD's in wrappings that are easily recyclable. But this flimsy, cardboard package from which one of more of the CD's is always slipping out, has simply got to be bettered."
A Musical Impressionist
Steven J. Bissell | Denver, CO USA | 08/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is hard to know what to say about this 3 CD collection by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The performances are impeccable throughout. The music is wonderful. I feel as if I was able to wander for three hours through the impressionist section of Musee D'Orsey in Paris without the crowds to bother me. Chamber music is often relegated to categories of the "lesser works" by various composers. I have found that usually inaccurate in as much as this form is a sort of distillation of the ideas in the so-called "major works." For example the "Syrinx," composed in 1913, and played here by Ransom Wilson is such a familiar melody that you respond immediately, even if you wonder where you heard it before.Debussy composed in a sort of transition period. Music was evolving from the rigors of the 19th Century into the less restrictive era of the 20th century. You can hear echoes of Jazz and other modern forms herein. I really recommend this collection."
Not quite top notch
Skeller | 06/01/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Sorry to disagree with some of the other reviewers, but I cannot give this CD the highest rating. The most important pieces here are the three sonatas, and for my taste they come across a bit heavy and rigid (as opposed to being light and flowing). The balance also seems to be off in these three pieces - in the violin and cello sonatas the piano is really more of an accompaniment, rather than an equal partner, but here it seems to be treated as an equal. In the sonata for harp, viola, and flute, the viola is given too much prominence, whereas as it should be flitting in the background and blending with the other instruments; indeed one should not be overly aware of the presence of the viola, even though it plays a crucial role in the rich tapestry of sound created here. It's one of Debussy's strokes of genius, but this imbalance lessens the effectiveness of this sonata, which should be full of air and light and magic. At least some of these problems may be attributed to the engineer. Why do these recordings seem so dry? The sonatas sound as if they were recorded in a closet. If you are looking for an introduction to Debussy's chamber music, the CD is fine, but if you want to experience the real thrill of his late, great sonatas, go for the Boston Symphony Players version. The balance and acoustics are far superior, and the musicians seem to have a better feel for the way this delicate music should flow."
Wonderful...
Zach | Nevada City, CA United States | 07/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must say, this is a wonderful CD. The performers of the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society are top quality, and they play these difficult to interepet pieces beautifully. I encourage anyone to buy this, it includes some of his most amazing works (the sonatas, the string quartet, and others) there's something for everyone."
Track Listings (1) - Disc #1