Elaine Greenfield - Debussy: Préludes - Books 1 & 2 (2004)

Much as collectors love Centaur for its extraordinary repertoire and much as artists love Centaur for its extraordinary enthusiasm, one sometimes longs for even slightly better playing or even slightly better sound. But this recording of both sets of Debussy's Preludes for piano has it all: extraordinary repertoire -- Debussy's superlative Preludes -- extraordinary enthusiasm -- Elaine Greenfield's passionate interpretations -- fabulous playing -- Greenfield is a first-rate virtuoso -- and fabulous sound -- partially the recording and partially the instrument. An original 1907 Bluthner the same make and vintage as Debussy's own piano, this instrument produces the sounds Debussy had in mind when he wrote for the piano. The result is a triumph for all concerned and one of the most gripping performances of Debussy's Preludes ever recorded. The recording, made at the Ashburnham Community Church and produced by Patricia Frederick, is clean but evocative.

Review by James Leonard