Debussy: La mer, Jeux, Prelude a l'apres midi d'un faune

Product Description Valery Gergiev has been performing Debussy s music regularly with the LSO since he became Principal Conductor in 2007. For his latest LSO Live release, he presents his first recordings of three Debussy favorites, including a sensational performance of La mer. Widely considered one of the twentieth century s most innovative and influential composers, Debussy was a musical impressionist, although it was a term he disliked. Despite running to little over ten minutes in duration, the sublime Prélude à l après- midi d un faune is regarded as one of the most important and revolutionary of musical works. La mer was completed ten years later whilst Debussy was living in England and is a spectacular orchestral showpiece. Jeux, one of Debussy s final orchestral works, was written for Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. Review ''Gergiev whips up the opening storm [La mer] into quite a frenzy, while the closing pages generate thrilling momentum and lashings of elemental excitement... The LSO respond with 100 per cent commitment [Jeux]... there's no missing the communicative ardour and narrative flair which inform Gergiev's conducting.'' --Gramophone Magazine ''Jeux turns out to be Valery Gergiev's game, set and match. The ambiguity and transience of the music are captured with fleet-footed energy, wit and real piquancy.'' --International Record Review ''When Gergiev conducted this performance of the Prélude 12 months ago at the Barbican, I described it as a luscious mirage of pointilliste detail. The recording captures its mesmerising force, its atmospheric languor and exceptional beauty. La mer and Jeux are scarcely less exalted, suggesting Gergiev's partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra still has honeymoon qualities.'' --Financial Times