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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
stuartk OP
2,856 posts
 

@gg107 

Thanks for the additional suggestions. Ravel and Satie have also been suggested by others. They're at the top of my list for exploring on Spotify.

I had imagined Beethoven might have a single bluesy bone in his body!  

newbee
4,767 posts
 

Last post, I swear! :-)

Lots of folks don't care that much for Bach, including me, but a lot of folks are anchored to him so maybe he has something that might appeal to you. When you get a chance pull up and listen to the Goldberg Variations, and preferably by a new young lady of substantial skills, Beatrice Rana, on the Warner Classics label.

BTW, re drums I really like them when they are used to support the music but when the drummer is spot lit and gets to beat the crap out of those poor cylinders without any 'musical' accompaniment I can take a pass. :-)

edcyn
1,876 posts
 

@gg107 Yeah, whenever I hear it I'm pretty much totally taken aback when Beethoven goes into a boogie-woogie in his Sonata No. 32. It's as if he's going a bit insane as he conjures up a variation and then forges onto the next. I first came across it in the old Rudolf Serkin recording. Serkin did it straight as hell. Impressive, but just too square for me. Brendel actually gave the variation a hint of fun when I saw him do the piece at, where was it, Royce Hall?

stuartk OP
2,856 posts
 

@newbee

"Last post, I swear! :-)"

OK. Your comments and suggestions have been very helpful. I'll check out the Goldberg variations, as you suggest.

So, no Elvin Jones or Tony Williams recordings for you!  I get it -- a "little goes a long way" as the  saying goes. For me, it depends upon the drummer and the context/piece. From my perspective, any Jazz soloist can outstay their welcome, should they lose focus or become repetitive. 

 

 

 

 

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