Claude DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
Images - Book 1 (1905) [15:55]
Images - Book 2 (1907) [14:52]
Preludes - Book 2 (1910-1913) [39:47]
Marc-André Hamelin (piano)
rec. 22 April 2011 (Preludes), 25 August 2012 (Images),
Henry Wood Hall, London, UK
HYPERION CDA67920 [70:36]
The Canadian pianist and composer Marc-André Hamelin has built up a
considerable reputation over the years and has made many recordings notably
for Hyperion. This disc is, perhaps surprisingly, his first of Debussy
although I understand that there is a live DVD of a recital contemporaneous
with the recordings here. The first thing to say on listening to this record
is how well he conveys the impressionist feel of these works. In a wet
February they transport the listener to a warm and sunny France. This effect
is aided by a recording that is first rate.
The Images commence with Reflets dans l’eau and it’s
wonderful how a piano can convey the rippling water, seemingly so
effortlessly. Hommage à Rameau uses a melody from Jean-Claude
Rameau’s 1737 Castor and Pollux but makes the music distinctly
Debussy. I was particularly taken by the final Image - the amusing
Poissons d’or that depicts the movements of two carp which featured
on a Japanese plaque in the composer’s possession.
Debussy had been working on the Preludes from 1907. As with the
Chopin Preludes there are 24 in all but there the comparisons end.
Here each piece has its own title and there is more distinction between
them. Critics more expert than I will no doubt be able to pass comment on
Hamelin’s execution but I must say that I found these readings marvellous.
They would be difficult to criticise. There is expertise and above all the
humour as in General Lavine - eccentric and Hommage à S.
Pickwick Esq. with its dramatic opening of God Save the Queen.
Then there is the otherworldly nature of pieces like Canope,
inspired by jar tops of Egyptian funeral urns that stood on Debussy’s
mantelpiece.
There is considerable competition in these works. We start with the famous
recording by Walter Gieseking from 1954. That's available in an
inexpensive EMI Icon box set (also on Regis), which despite being mono is one many think of
as definitive. There are also fine recordings by Monique Haas and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli which
I’m delighted to have in my collection. Add to these distinguished versions
by Stephen Osborne (Hyperion), Roger Woodward and Craig Sheppard (Images ~ Preludes). This record though seems to me of the highest
order and one that I will return to with the greatest pleasure.
David R Dunsmore
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