Classical Aficionados: Please Suggest Debussy Solo Piano recordings


After decades of failing to discover a compelling entry point into Classical, Debussy's solo piano works have captured my interest, perhaps because I can hear a connection with Jazz piano players I enjoy. 

I've enjoyed the Arrau versions from later in the Chilean's career on Spotify. There are a  few CDs available that I plan to buy but I haven't found any CDs of the Debussy recordings he did earlier in his career. Can anyone send me a link?

Which other pianists are renowned for interpreting these works? 

And now that I think of it, another question: What are the best online sources for Classical CDs? 

 

 

 

stuartk

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli is a clear first choice for Debussy in my household.  My wife refers to him as "God's cocktail pianist."  

Aldo Ciccolini or Arturo Benedetto Michelangelo.  The latt can be had on Blu Ray Audio

@antigrunge2 , @edcyn 

Thanks to you both  -- I will explore !

@newbee 

Thanks for your suggestions!  I'm just starting my Classical journey. Having grown tired of Rock in the late 70's, I began a long exploration of Jazz that is still ongoing. However, at this point, I think I've pretty well found what I like in terms of Jazz. I need to plumb a different well. 

Listening to Debussy solo piano is somehow "familiar". Perhaps this can be explained by his influence upon some my favorite Jazz piano players (Hancock, Corea, Evans, for example).  I don't know that I'll ever enjoy a wide range of Classical Music but at this point, I'm excited to discover whatever might appeal to me within the genre. 

@gg107 

Unfortunately, "cocktail pianist" is for me, off-putting rather than enticing.  

Perhaps, once I've digested the Bavouzet, I will explore other Debussy interpreters. For now, I'm more interested in finding other composers who might appeal to me as a Jazz lover. 

 

 

 

@mahler123 

OK-- second vote for Michelangelo. I will keep him in mind. Don't recall having heard Ciccolini's name, before. Will investigate them both. Thanks!  

 

 

@gg107 

I apologize for the curt tone of my response -- it was unwarranted. I do appreciate your having taken the time to make a suggestion.