Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Claude Debussy with "Music for Reading," a captivating collection of 34 tracks that span a soothing 2 hours and 29 minutes. Released on May 2, 2025, under the Naxos Special Projects label, this album is a testament to Debussy's enduring influence on classical music.
Debussy, a pioneering French composer, is celebrated for his innovative approach to music, often associated with the Impressionist movement, although he himself rejected the term. His compositions, known for their ethereal beauty and groundbreaking use of whole-tone scales, have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
"Music for Reading" is a diverse compilation that includes some of Debussy's most beloved works, such as "Clair de Lune," "Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor," and "The Swan," as well as lesser-known gems like "Berceuse in D-Flat Major" and "Ombra mai fù." The album features a variety of arrangements, including pieces for flute and harp, cello and orchestra, and violin and orchestra, showcasing the versatility and depth of Debussy's compositions.
This album is not just a collection of tracks but a journey through Debussy's musical evolution. From the delicate and introspective "Nocturne in B Major" to the lively and rhythmic "Presto," each piece offers a unique glimpse into the composer's genius. The inclusion of works from different periods of Debussy's career, from his early compositions to his late-period sonatas and études, provides a comprehensive overview of his artistic development.
Whether you are a long-time fan of Debussy or a newcomer to his music, "Music for Reading" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's diverse selection of pieces, combined with Debussy's timeless compositions, makes it a valuable addition to any classical music lover's collection.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Maria Kliegel, Kristin Merscher
No. 1 in E Major (Arr. J. Loman for Flute & Harp)Claude Debussy, Nora Shulman, Judy Loman
I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
II. MenuettoAntonín Dvořák, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krcek
Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor, Op. Posth.Frédéric Chopin, Idil Biret
VI. AirGeorge Frideric Handel, Aradia Ensemble, Kevin Mallon
II. Largo e sostenutoJoseph Haydn, Jenő Jandó
Nocturne in B Major, Op. 40, B. 47Antonín Dvořák, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop
No. 1Erik Satie, Klara Kormendi
III. Intermezzo. Bewegt, doch nicht zu schnellRobert Schumann, Haoli Lin, Jianan Liu
Ombra mai fùGeorge Frideric Handel, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
I. PastoraleLuigi Boccherini, Zoltan Tokos, Danubius Quartet
AriaJohann Sebastian Bach, Jenő Jandó
Ma mère l'oye Suite (Mother Goose Suite): V. Le jardin féerique [version for orchestra] [Version for Orchestra]Maurice Ravel, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Jean
II. Air ("On the G String")Johann Sebastian Bach, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Dvořák
No. 9 Abschied (Departure)Robert Schumann, Paul Gulda
II. Serenade: Andante cantabile (Attrib. To Hoffstetter)Joseph Haydn, Kodály Quartet
III. Clair de luneClaude Debussy, François-Joël Thiollier
None but the Lonely Heart, Op. 6 No. 6 (Arr. P. Breiner for violin and orchestra)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Takako Nishizaki, Queensland Orchestra, Peter Breiner
X. Old TimesFranz Liszt, Eteri Andjaparidze
II. Largo ma non tantoJohann Sebastian Bach, Christine Pichlmeier, Lisa Stewart, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
No. 3: Nocturne in A-Flat MajorFranz Liszt, Jenő Jandó
I. LargoPietro Locatelli, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krcek