Claude Debussy, the composer of these Preludes, was a fiercely independent composer who learned from past masters but always blazed his own path.
Performer Biography
George Lepauw, the pianist on this album, is a Franco-American pianist based in Paris, France, who has received wide praise for his Bach recordings.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Debussy placed the titles of his Preludes at the end of each piece, rather than the beginning, because he wanted the music to define the title, not the other way around.
Compositional Technique
Debussy's Preludes are noted for their continuous change of focus, revealing exotic images from the Orient, Spain, Italy, and Scotland.
Recording & Production
This album of Debussy's Preludes was recorded in a single evening in August 2007 at Nichols Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, on a Steinway Model D piano.
Compositional Technique
Debussy's piano writing was revolutionary, transforming the instrument into one of illusion and exploring colors in its sound production previously unexplored.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Debussy found profound musical inspiration in diverse sources, including Javanese Gamelan, early American syncopated music, Japanese prints, and symbolist poetry.
