Debussy Early and Late Piano Pieces
- BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE INSTRUMENTAL CHOICE
- GRAMOPHONE EDITOR’S CHOICE
- DIAPASON D’OR
- CLASSIC FM ALBUM OF THE WEEK
‘Any recital recording that programmes only shortish pieces runs a risk, and even more so when they’re all by the same composer. I shouldn’t have worried with Steven Osborne in command. Not only are there plenty of lively dances on here to counter the cliché of the ‘wispy’ Debussy, but the contrasts between tracks and the clarity at any dynamic level – and of course Osborne can play with magical refinement – are wondrous.’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘I cannot think of another disc that has given me more pleasure this year than Osborne’s Debussy here.’ (MusicWeb International)
‘Steven Osborne’s new Hyperion recording of Debussy is a veritable feast, consisting of the most delicate and delectable dishes served up to perfection…. One of the things that makes Osborne’s interpretations so appealing is the spontaneous ease with which they meet the ear. I can’t think of another reading of the Suite bergamasque that sounds so fresh, as though it were improvised on the spot…. Once again we have the opportunity of hearing both a superb pianist in top form and a deep and perceptive musician at work. Don’t miss this one.’
Tracklisting
Danse bohémienne
Mazurka
Deux Arabesques
Rêverie
Valse romantique
Ballade
Suite bergamasque
i Prélude
ii Menuet
iii Clair de lune
iv Passepied
Danse
Nocturne
Images oubliées
i Lent
ii Sarabande
iii Queques aspects de “Nous n’irons plus au bois’ parce qu’il fait un temps insupportable
Morceau de concours
Hommage à Haydn
Le petit nègre
Pièce pour l’œuvre du Vétement du blessé
Élégie
Les soirs illuminés par l’ardeur du charbon