This is not exactly a new Debussy release by Daniel Barenboim; the Préludes come from a 1998 DVD that has fallen into obscurity. Probably the reason for its resurrection was to grab market share for the 2018 centenary of Debussy's death. The sound shifts noticeably between the earlier set and the newer studio recordings, made in 2017 when the Argentine pianist was well into his eighth decade. Whether because the Préludes performances were made with a multimedia presentation in mind or for some other reason, they lack focus ...
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This is not exactly a new Debussy release by Daniel Barenboim; the Préludes come from a 1998 DVD that has fallen into obscurity. Probably the reason for its resurrection was to grab market share for the 2018 centenary of Debussy's death. The sound shifts noticeably between the earlier set and the newer studio recordings, made in 2017 when the Argentine pianist was well into his eighth decade. Whether because the Préludes performances were made with a multimedia presentation in mind or for some other reason, they lack focus as a group. That said, there's much here to remind one of why Barenboim still commands a strong following as a pianist. He has a gift for the arresting gesture. Sample the well-worn Clair de lune: Barenboim's rhythmically subtle opening makes it into moonlight dancing on the water. There are other such moments, and for Barenboim fans this may well be a desirable find in this centenary year. ~ James Manheim, Rovi
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