Claude Debussy was fascinated by the piano's sound, exploring its full range, pedal effects, and the brilliance of fast runs and powerful chords, which inspired his Préludes.
Composition History
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a contemporary of Bach and Handel, was the most celebrated opera composer in France at his zenith, writing many works for the royal courts of Louis XIV and Louis XV.
Compositional Technique
Debussy's 'Voiles' uses two unconventional scale patterns: the whole-tone scale, which creates an amorphous, unresolved sound, and the pentatonic scale, found in various folk musics.
Performer Biography
Jorge Federico Osorio, the pianist on this album, has received the prestigious Medalla Bellas Artes, the highest honor granted by Mexico's National Institute of Fine Arts.
Composer Biography
Emmanuel Chabrier, whose 'Habanera' is featured, worked for 19 years in France's Ministry of the Interior, composing only in the evenings and on weekends, and was friends with poet Paul Verlaine and painter Edouard Manet.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded on January 14-15, 2020, at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, using a Steinway piano.
Composer Biography
Gabriel Fauré, whose Pavane opens this program, supported himself as a first-rate organist and teacher, eventually heading the Paris Conservatory from 1905 to 1920.
You might also enjoy...
Piano Recital: Rosenberger, Carol - Liszt, F. / Griffes, C. Ravel, M. / Debussy, C. / Chopin, F. / Granados, E.
Arabesque
Images et mirages
Debussy in Resonance
Nancy Hill Elton Plays Chopin & Debussy
A Golden Proportion Recital
Stan, Eduard: Liszt / Faure / Chopin / Ravel/ Debussy
