New Debussy, Lutoslawski and Bartok from ECM:

Two new releases on ECM New Series that should be out in the next week or two. One MAJOR, one less so but still noteworthy.

First up - the major. Debussy's Preludes by Alexei Lubimov. Two CD set. A revelation, much used word but this is the truest sense. Lubimov is totally idiomatic, with a slight underlying sense of the Russian romanticism in his DNA. The interpretations are shimmering - luminous. transcendental playing of Lisztian dimensions. The recording is beyond reproach - ECM's approach to classical music is uniquely divergent from the norm, Eicher prefers a dry, ever so slightly reverberant acoustic, relatively closely miked but not too close, capturing the tonality and decay perfectly.

But what makes this set so very special is that Lubimov has employed two very vintage pianos - a Beckstein 1925 in the first book of Preludes, a 1913 Steinway on the second. The Beckstein in particular is what Debussy wrote the Preludes for and himself stated as the preferred instrument to perform them on. This is very interesting - the period instrument movement of the past few decades has gone back to the fortepiano, and to gut strings and valveless horns, and adopted period appropriate orchestral sizes and bowing. But only very recently has there been recognition that even in the early 20th century, instruments were significantly different, and this is very true of the piano. The Beckstein has a darker sound, less decay, less sustain, obviously harder action, and has a fair bit of contrast between registers. By comparison, the earlier Steinway has a smoother action, the transition between registers is smoother, the tone is more shimmering, a bit brighter, with greater decay and sustain, and a lighter, incandescent tone. Both are unique and totally captivating. I have only begun to explore the tonalities on this CD. There could not be a more fitting tribute to Debussy in his centenary year than to give a modern reading of his piano masterpieces using instruments he undoubtedly encountered and played in his day.

There are recordings also here of the Trois Nocturnes and Prelude A L'Apres Midi arranged by Debussy for two pianos, rarely recorded, and in these both the Beckstein and early Steinway are used. Magnificent.

The Debussy must be considered one of the best of 2012, and will be regarded as one of the essential Debussy recordings. Lubimov stands with Geiseking as a peer.

Lutoslawski's Musique Funebre is an early piece appropriately and imaginatively coupled with Bartok's Romanian Folk Dances and Divertimento, Russell Davies conducting. Another fine, dry, detailed orchestral recording with fine ambiance and detail. The Lutoslawski is an interesting piece not as developed or singular as Lutoslawski's mature works, yet it is interesting to hear it, particularly when combined with fine versions of the Bartok pieces, the contrast enhances both.