I was listening last night to a Channel Classics recording of Debussy's
Images and Book I of the Preludes played by Jos van Immerseel.  The unusual
nature of this recording is that Immerseel uses an Erard piano built in
1897.  Immerseel, in his liner notes, raves about this piano and considers
it "the perfect medium for Debussy's transparent and colorful language".
The recording was initially issued in 1993.

I have to agree with Immerseel's assessment.  The piano sound is beautiful
with a nice tangy quality but ample richness.  I had never thought of
Immerseel as a Debussy pianist, but his performances are a joy to hear.
Just selecting my favorite preludes, Immerseel captures perfectly the drama
and tenderness of no. 1 (Danseuses), the restrained excitement and flow of
no. 3 (Le vent), and the mystery and longing of no. 6 (Des pas).

I highly recommend Immerseel's Debussy as either a "primary" selection or
a fine alternative to Kocsis, Uchida, Jacobs, Moravec, Gieseking, Cortot,
and Zimerman.

Don's conclusion - Must Buy.

Don Satz
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