Debussy - Estampes[Moravec]
This is another worthy Debussy recital, with for me the added attraction in that it collects the very best works of Debussy onto one disc, early this year i played another Debussy recital by Noriko Ogawa [4th January 2011], and there i praised her Estampes, i mirror that here, i was really touched by these three pieces, the recording is on an obscure label, the Moss Music Group [MMG], but it's an excellent recording, i can't fault it, a nice realism, bass / treble and left / right perspective are great.
Ivan Moravec was born in Czechoslovakia in 1930, now 80 years old, he is no longer in prime condition, and i believe he has some health issues now, he recorded these Debussy works in 1982, the booklet cover photo is by Waring Abbott, an excellent shot really, showing almost the whole of a grand piano,with some deep shadows, and with a grey wall and floor, it creates quite a monotone picture, however the lettering isn't very inspired in my mind, but the logo is interesting.
Well on this listen i keep coming back to the Pagodes, the opening piece of the triptych, after the stuttering bass opening, the lovely opening gambit in the right hand 'tune maker' is such a treasurable moment [0:10], and nice pleading by the left hand [0:28], while the right hand now evolves / transforms into the accompaniment, it's a gorgeous opening gambit by Debussy, extremely memorable, i like the tolling of the left hand bell [1:40], and the orientalism that comes after it in the left hand is superb [2:02], the bell tolls again [2:28], but quickly changes to a double bell [2:31], a really clever idea, and so musically satisfying, and there's a lovely warbling trill in the treble [2:48], the reprise of the opening is so heart wrenching [3:01], and i like the way there's a nice forte in the bass [4:12], and then the rain comes down [4:28], and like some Japanese watercolour, the whole piece just gets washed away!, a tremendous piece with real atmosphere.
Here's James Pritchett playing Pagodes on YouTube.
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