This volume of Debussy’s orchestral works under Ernest Ansermet, brings together all of the composer’s acknowledged masterpieces together with some of the shorter pieces. The rare 1951 recording of ‘Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune’ and the 1949 recording of the ‘Images’ make their first appearance on CD. Ansermet’s second recording of ‘La Mer’ – he also recorded the piece for Decca in 1947, 1957 and 1964 – his first of the ‘Nocturnes’ and the early stereo version of ‘Jeux’ are, likewise, all rarities. The anthology is completed with an authentically French-sounding ‘Rapsodie pour clarinette’ as well as a lush ‘Clair de lune’ and a delectable ‘Petite suite‘.
CLAUDE DEBUSSY
Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (1951 recording)*
La Mer (1951 recording)**
Nocturnes (1951 recording)**
Jeux (Poème dansé) (1953 recording)***
Clair de lune
Petite Suite
Rapsodie pour clarinette
Printemps
Images pour orchestre (1949 recording)*
* FIRST RELEASE ON CD
** FIRST INTERNATIONAL RELEASE ON CD
*** FIRST RELEASE ON DECCA OF STEREO VERSION
Robert Gugholz, clarinet
L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Ernest Ansermet