Search - Debussy, Johnson, Tortelier :: Premiere Rapsodie / Danse Sacree / Danse Profane

A Fresh Look at Debussy

03/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For the Debussy beginner, this CD is a wonderful selection of some of his most successful works - the string quartet, the piano arabesques, and of course the Clair de Lune - combined with a few lesser heard pieces, including the rhapsody for clarinet, the 'Danses' for harp and string ensemble, and the 'Sonata en Trio' for flute, viola and harp. While the performances of these pieces vary slightly in skill and ability of expression, they are all wonderful pieces to be acquainted with - but, for the Debussy devotée, other albums should rather be sought out. Emma Johnson's performance is energetic but technically and expressively weak in several passages, the largest weakness of the recording; the rest of the pieces are performed with relative skill and expression. The Danse profane and Danse sacrée, performed by Caryl Thomas and the strings of the Prometheus Ensemble, is a particularly wonderful performance, providing an accurate and emotional interpretation of this rare work. The piano pieces are both performed well, as is the string quartet, and the Sonata is delightfully bright and full of spirit. Generally this album provides a strong base of knowledge for these works - but again, for the more picky Debussy listener, there are other recordings that ought to be first on your lists."