Description
Walter Gieseking Plays Debussy: Solo Piano Works CD
This CD is a reissue of classic, historically significant recordings by the legendary pianist Walter Gieseking performing the solo piano works of Claude Debussy. Gieseking was widely regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of Debussy's music, capturing the subtlety, color, and atmosphere of the composer's Impressionist style.
UPC: 724356279827
MPN (Catalog Number): 724356279827
Label: EMI Classics
Format: CD (Mono)
Released: 2004 (Reissue)
Genre: Classical
Product Features
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Artist | Walter Gieseking (Piano) |
| Composer | Claude Debussy |
| Contents | Major collections of solo piano works |
| Recording Type | Mono (Original recordings from the 1950s) |
| Historical Significance | One of the definitive recordings of Debussy's piano music. |
| Key Highlights | Includes the complete Suite bergamasque (featuring "Clair de lune"), Children's Corner, Estampes, and both sets of Images. |
A Note on the Recording
This 2004 EMI Classics CD is a reissue of mono recordings, which were likely made in the early to mid-1950s. Gieseking's interpretations are celebrated for their extraordinary use of the pedal, delicate tone control, and ability to paint vivid sonic landscapes, making them essential listening for any admirer of French music.
Full Track Listing
| Track(s) | Work Title (Year) | Total Time | Detailed Movement Title and Tempo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Suite bergamasque (1890/1905) | 15:46 | 1. I: Prelude (Moderato [Tempo Rubato]) / 2. II: Menuet (Andantino) / 3. III: Claire De Lune (Andante Tres Expressif) / 4. IV: Passepied (Allegretto Ma Non Troppo) |
| 5-7 | Estampes (1903) | 11:47 | 5. I: Pagodes (Moderement Anime) / 6. II: La Soiree Dans Grenade (Mouvement De Habanera) / 7. III: Jardins Sous La Pluie (Net Et Vif) |
| 8 | L'Isle joyeuse (1903-4) | 4:56 | Quasi Una Cadenza - Tempo: Modere Et Tres Souple |
| 9-11 | Images, Série/Set I (1905) | 14:29 | 9. I: Reflets Dans L'eau (Andantino Molto) / 10. II: Hommage A Rameau (Lent Et Grave) / 11. III: Mouvement (Anime) |
| 12-14 | Images, Série/Set II (1907) | 11:52 | 12. I: Cloches A Travers Les Feuilles (Lent) / 13. II: Et La Lune Descend Sur Le Temple Qui Fut (Lent) / 14. III: Poissons D'or (Anime) |
| 15-20 | Children’s Corner (1906-8) | 19:33 | 15. I: Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum (Moderement Anime) / 16. II: Jimbo's Lullaby (Assez Modere) / 17. III: Serenade For The Doll (Allegretto Ma Non Troppo) / 18. IV: The Snow Is Dancing (Moderement Anime) / 19. V: The Little Shepherd (Tres Modere) / 20. VI: Golliwog's Cakewalk (Allegro Giusto) |
| 21 | La plus que lente (Valse) (1910) | 3:23 | Lento (Molto Rubato Con Morbidezza) |
| Total Time: | Approx. 81:26 |
Performer Details
- Piano: Walter Gieseking
