A century after his death on 25 March 1918, many harmonia mundi artists are eager to pay tribute to Claude Debussy, the magician of melody and timbre, the great ‘colourist’ and father of modern music. Alongside two shimmering masterpieces, La Mer and the celebrated Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, the Symphonic Fragments from Le Martyre de saint Sébastien receive loving attention from the distinguished musicians of the Philharmonia Orchestra, outstandingly conducted by Maestro Pablo Heras-Casado.
-----
REVIEW:
Yet another La mer rich in detail (there have been quite a few of late). Prélude a l’après-midi d’un faune enjoys a degree of tonal bloom that suits its very personal narrative. Heras-Casado makes you realise just what a great score this is, and – as with the other pieces on the disc – the Philharmonia are in fine fettle. Wonderful sound, too.
