Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French classical piano with Cecile Ousset's captivating album, "Debussy & Ravel: Works for Piano." Released on March 9, 1970, under the Berlin Classics label, this album is a testament to Ousset's virtuosity and her deep connection with the music of Debussy and Ravel. Spanning nearly two hours, the album is a comprehensive journey through some of the most celebrated works for solo piano by these two giants of French music.
Ousset's interpretation of Debussy's "Préludes" and "Estampes," along with Ravel's "Miroirs" and "Gaspard de la nuit," showcases her technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity. Each piece is rendered with a keen sense of nuance and expression, highlighting the unique qualities of these compositions. From the delicate and evocative "Poissons d'or" to the virtuosic and dramatic "Scarbo," Ousset's playing is both precise and deeply musical.
The album also includes lesser-known gems such as "Pour le Piano" and "Douze Études," offering a broader perspective on the piano repertoire of these composers. Ousset's performances are marked by a sense of intimacy and immediacy, making this album a compelling listen for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. With its rich sonic detail and thoughtful programming, "Debussy & Ravel: Works for Piano" is a standout recording that celebrates the enduring beauty of French classical piano music.
2009 Berlin Classics/Edel Germany GmbH1970 VEB Deutsche Schallplatten Berlin
Tracks
Pour le Piano, L. 95: I. PréludeClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Pour le Piano, L. 95: II. SarabandeClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Pour le Piano, L. 95: III. ToccataClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Images, Book 2, L. 111: No. 3, Poissons d'orClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Préludes, Book I, L. 117: No. 5, Les collines d'AnacapriClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Préludes, Book 2, L. 123: No. 12, Feux d'artificeClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 7, Ce qu'a vu le vent d'OuestClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Douze Études II, L. 136: No. 7, Pour les degrès ChromatiquesClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Douze Études II, L. 136: No. 11, Pour les arpèges composésClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Estampes, L. 100: No. 3, Jardins sous la pluieClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Préludes, Book 2, L. 123: No. 2, Feuilles mortesClaude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
L'Isle joyeuse, L. 106Claude Debussy, Cecile Ousset
Jeux d'eau, M. 30Maurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: I. OndineMaurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: II. Le GibetMaurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset
Gaspard de la nuit, M. 55: III. ScarboMaurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset
Miroirs, M. 43: I. NoctuellesMaurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset
Miroirs, M. 43: II. Oiseaux tristesMaurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset
Miroirs, M. 43: III. Une barque sur l'océanMaurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset
Miroirs, M. 43: IV. Alborada del graciosoMaurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset
Miroirs, M. 43: V. La vallée des clochesMaurice Ravel, Cecile Ousset