Search - Claude Debussy, Werner Haas, Noel Lee :: Debussy: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 2

Exquisite Debussy from an underrated pianist

gnox | Manitoulin Island, Canada | 09/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this set because it included most of the pieces missing from my Debussy piano collection, and the Penguin Guide rated it fairly high. I've been listening to it frequently ever since and can only wonder why Haas is rarely mentioned alongside other great Debussians like Gilels, Arrau, Roge et al. The Philips sound is clean and full and these performances, especially of the Etudes, leave nothing to be desired. No dreamy indulgence here, just penetrating exploration of Debussy's unique tonal world. At this price, the complete duo-piano music (in which Haas is joined by Noel Lee) is a bonus! Don't hesitate on this one, even if it duplicates some other Debussy performances you own -- Debussy's music is so subtle that an alternative performance is virtually a new piece of music."

Surprisingly wonderful: Haass plays Debussy

Carlton | CT, USA | 11/05/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD specifically for the Six Antique Epigraphs, which are performed beautifully. What remarkable rhythmic and tonal subtleties inherent in these virtually unknown pieces. The Petite Suite, famous for its first offering "En bateau", is also well delivered by Haas. Two works even more obscure that I found irresistible are the Marche ecossaise and Lindaraja. The latter has echoes of the Soiree dans Grenade of Estampes, while the former is a brilliant work played to perfection by Haas.

Those pieces aside, this double CD contains Debussy's 12 Etudes, La plus que lente, Suite bergamasque, the Tarantelle styrienne, Valse romantique, and the always pleasing Hommage to Haydn. Haas excels in this works. He transcends the technical challenges and lets the listener dwell on the magical images conjured by Debussy. I recommend this CD to any fan of the great French composer.

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