Debussy, Fergus-Thompson Etudes, Books 1 & 2 Genre:Classical Martin Jones' Debussy cycle is more than complete, for he includes the composer's piano scores for his ballets, Khamma, Jeux, and La Boîte á Joujoux. Nimbus' slightly distant mike technique complements Jones' ful... more »l-bodied sonority. Jones may not let you in on the music's deep, dark secrets, but his clear-headed guidance bespeaks sympathy and insight, whether in the early character pieces or cryptic Prelude and Etude cycles. His quicksilver fingerwork is buttressed with fiber and backbone, which keeps Debussy's impressionistic sound from dematerializing into vapor. Great playing, great price: Go for it! --Dan Davis« less
Martin Jones' Debussy cycle is more than complete, for he includes the composer's piano scores for his ballets, Khamma, Jeux, and La Boîte á Joujoux. Nimbus' slightly distant mike technique complements Jones' full-bodied sonority. Jones may not let you in on the music's deep, dark secrets, but his clear-headed guidance bespeaks sympathy and insight, whether in the early character pieces or cryptic Prelude and Etude cycles. His quicksilver fingerwork is buttressed with fiber and backbone, which keeps Debussy's impressionistic sound from dematerializing into vapor. Great playing, great price: Go for it! --Dan Davis
CD Reviews
Truly the most 'complete' of all the sets of Debussy's 'comp
Michael S Menut | 08/11/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let me start off by counteracting the 2-star review here. For one thing, the 'Clair de Lune 2' is in fact on this set. As well, the liner notes, while not as thorough as others still give significant detail on all the piano works. In fact, I'm doubtful if the man was even received the item listed on this page!
This is a rare compilation, filled with ALL of debussy's works for piano, including the relatively new "images oubliees' as well as all three Ballet scores, "Jeux", "Khamma" and "The Toybox"
The playing is quite distinct and significant to the detail of how Debussy's works may be played. Though I'm not a professional musician so I might be a bit off on that.
It's definitely worth the purchase if you desire to have Debussy's complete piano ouevre all in one bundle. The quality of the recording is equivalnet to the fabled hyperion label, and for good reason. A worthy purchase."
"This is the first time I've written a review. I felt almost obligated to do so...perhaps because of the one negative review above. This is the best Debussy playing I've heard in a long time. The interpretations are hard to criticise. Fergus-Thompson's playing is sensitive, never rushed, and always at the service of the music. The sound (recorded in Henry Wood Hall, London) is stunning...full, ripe, and reverberent... perfect for this music. If I had to give up 90% of my extensive, carefully chosen classical music collection, this set would remain. And it's a bargain!"
Excellent
Michael S Menut | 05/08/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's great to have this set of all of Debussy's piano music. I've played this at work, over and over again, and it has helped me to become familiar with one of the world's most important composers. Anyone who has never heard the "Suite Bergamasque" should check it out as soon as possible - by any performer. It's an incredibly beautiful piece. I think that, with Debussy, having multiple performances in your collection is a must."
Stunning playing!
Mark S. Carpenter | Austin, TX USA | 08/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this set on the suggestion of a friend, and it's some of the most fabulous Debussy playing I've heard!
Gordon Fergus-Thompson's tone is just *delicious* -- etherial in slow pieces, electrifying in the fast pieces. The interpretations are spot on.
I note there were two bad reviews of this CD. It makes me wonder if those two reviewers may have had defective CDs.
I enthusiastically recommend this collection!"
Perfectly controlled romantic impressionism
Neil Miller | USA | 06/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...I'm listening to excerpts that Amazon.com has available and it's obvious that this is one of the superior sets of Debussy's complete piano music to come along. Compare, for instance, Reverie to the Jones recording. Jones takes it absurdly fast and plays it like an exercise. Fergus-Thompson's tempos are intelligent and his phrasing is exquisite -- he really makes the music say something, and that's what it's all about."
