Colin Matthews: The Debussy Preludes & Postlude

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Claude Debussy's Preludes, reimagined for orchestra by the brilliant Colin Matthews. This album, "The Debussy Preludes & Postlude," is a testament to Matthews' meticulous work, as he spent five years orchestrating all 24 of Debussy's original piano preludes. Conducted by Sir Mark Elder and performed by the esteemed Hallé Orchestra, this collection is a symphonic journey through Debussy's evocative compositions, from the misty "Brouillards" to the playful "La danse de Puck."

Each track is a masterclass in orchestration, with Matthews' arrangements bringing out new depths and nuances in Debussy's music. The album also includes Matthews' own "Postlude - Monsieur Croche," a fitting conclusion to this exploration of Debussy's preludes. With a total runtime of over an hour and a half, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen for any classical music enthusiast. Recorded in 2010 and released under the Hallé Concerts Society label, this album is a must-experience for those seeking a fresh perspective on Debussy's timeless works.