Debussy: Préludes Book 1; Children's Corner

Featuring

Nelson Freire
Claude Debussy

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Performer Biography

Nelson Freire, the pianist on this album, describes his relationship with Debussy as a "lifelong partnership" that began when Debussy "sparked the love affair between the piano and me."

Performer Biography

Nelson Freire has played Debussy's music throughout his career, with works like the Préludes, Images, Estampes, Children's Corner, and La Plus que lente regularly appearing in his programs and as encores.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Claude Debussy, the composer, is characterized by his ability to evoke rather than explicitly state, suggesting with an "almost British sense of reserve."

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in Friedrich-Ebert-Halle, Harburg, Hamburg, between June 11 and 15, 2008, with Jonathan Fry as Executive Producer and Dominic Fyfe as Recording Producer and Editor.

Performer Biography

Nelson Freire considers it superficial to view Debussy as merely a master of color, emphasizing the "heart and soul" and "depth" in his music, citing 'Des pas sur la neige' as an example.

Performer Biography

Nelson Freire first encountered Debussy's music while studying with Lucia Branco in Rio de Janeiro, who advocated a naturalistic style and warned against playing too slowly.

Interpretation

Nelson Freire, along with his teacher Lucia Branco and fellow Debussy interpreter Alain Planès, agrees on the importance of setting a "reasonably lively tempo" for Debussy's music.