Search - Claude Debussy, Athena Ensemble, Iona Brown :: Claude Debussy: Chamber Music

Timeless performances and music; lovely recording

Ed Brickell | 06/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hardly a day goes by that this Debussy CD isn't in my player. On a hot summer afternoon, it's as cool and refreshing as a tall glass of ice water. That's not to say the Athena Ensemble turn this music into pleasant background noise -- the performances are both subtle and vital, and feel as natural as the weather. The Chandos recording is lovely, not nearly as heavy on the reverb as many of their CDs adding just the right touch of depth and atmosphere. Notes are sparse but adequate. And the beautiful reproduction of the Monet on the cover is the icing on the cake.This CD is part of my life now; it might easily become a part of yours as well."