Debussy's Nocturnes (esp., Nuages) - Favorite recordings

[aesthete8]

I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.

It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

[David Wake]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

Stokowski/LSO/EMI is excellent in all three nocturnes, especially
"Sirenes".

David

[David7Gable]

Given how much I like the Nocturnes, it's surprising how few recordings I've
heard. (Actually, I like Nuages better than Fêtes and Fêtes better than
Sirènes.)

I have and like these three:

Munch/BSO (Nuages & Fêtes only; RCA)
Monteux/LSO (Philips)
Boulez/Cleveland (Sony)

Boulez is not uninvolved but reticent, as mysterious as the sphinx, and his
Nuages may be too reticent for some listeners, but not for me: temperamentally,
Debussy's art of suggestion with its nuances, subtle shifts, and dependence on
understatement suits him very well. Nevertheless, he may be at his best in
Fêtes, where the technical control he exerts over the monolithic crescendo
depicting the crowd of revelers moving in from a distance is not to be
believed.

Boulez has actually "reorchestrated" Sirènes: composing the specific vowel
sounds that the sirens sing. Nevertheless, as decent as Boulez's performance
is, this is the movement that benefits most from a more "shameless" approach.
Like Monteux's.

I haven't listened to the Monteux in a while, but it's on a disc that is an
absolute favorite of mine: it includes a distinctive and sensationally
atmospheric performance of the symphonic fragments from Le martyre de Saint
Sébastien. As much as I hate to admit it, Monteux shapes both Nuages and
Sirènes more distinctively than Boulez, and it's only in the Fêtes that Boulez
strikes me as clearly superior. (Good as Boulez's first recording of the
Nocturnes is, it's not quite the triumph that his savage Philharmonia La mer
is.)

-david gable

[David7Gable]

To correct misstatements in my first post in this thread:

1. Boulez's first recording of the Nocturnes is with the New Philharmonia, not
the Cleveland.

2. Monteux's Nocturnes are coupled with a recording of Images on RCA, not with
the Symphonic fragments from Martyre on Philips. The orchestra is the Boston
Symphony.

3. Monteux's Symphonic fragments from Martyre on Philips is coupled with
another recording of the Images. The orchestra is the London Symphony.

-david gable

[g***@gmail.com]

Post by David7Gable
Given how much I like the Nocturnes, it's surprising how few recordings I've
heard. (Actually, I like Nuages better than Fêtes and Fêtes better than
Sirènes.)
Munch/BSO (Nuages & Fêtes only; RCA)
Monteux/LSO (Philips)
Boulez/Cleveland (Sony)
Boulez is not uninvolved but reticent, as mysterious as the sphinx, and his
Nuages may be too reticent for some listeners, but not for me: temperamentally,
Debussy's art of suggestion with its nuances, subtle shifts, and dependence on
understatement suits him very well. Nevertheless, he may be at his best in
Fêtes, where the technical control he exerts over the monolithic crescendo
depicting the crowd of revelers moving in from a distance is not to be
believed.
Boulez has actually "reorchestrated" Sirènes: composing the specific vowel
sounds that the sirens sing. Nevertheless, as decent as Boulez's performance
is, this is the movement that benefits most from a more "shameless" approach.
Like Monteux's.
I haven't listened to the Monteux in a while, but it's on a disc that is an
absolute favorite of mine: it includes a distinctive and sensationally
atmospheric performance of the symphonic fragments from Le martyre de Saint
Sébastien. As much as I hate to admit it, Monteux shapes both Nuages and
Sirènes more distinctively than Boulez, and it's only in the Fêtes that Boulez
strikes me as clearly superior...

If you haven't yet heard Monteux's LSO Nuages" and "Fetes", it was recently uploaded on Youtube.

[g***@gmail.com]

Post by David7Gable
Given how much I like the Nocturnes, it's surprising how few recordings I've
heard. (Actually, I like Nuages better than Fêtes and Fêtes better than
Sirènes.)
Munch/BSO (Nuages & Fêtes only; RCA)
Monteux/LSO (Philips)
Boulez/Cleveland (Sony)
Boulez is not uninvolved but reticent, as mysterious as the sphinx, and his
Nuages may be too reticent for some listeners, but not for me: temperamentally,
Debussy's art of suggestion with its nuances, subtle shifts, and dependence on
understatement suits him very well. Nevertheless, he may be at his best in
Fêtes, where the technical control he exerts over the monolithic crescendo
depicting the crowd of revelers moving in from a distance is not to be
believed.
Boulez has actually "reorchestrated" Sirènes: composing the specific vowel
sounds that the sirens sing. Nevertheless, as decent as Boulez's performance
is, this is the movement that benefits most from a more "shameless" approach.
Like Monteux's.
I haven't listened to the Monteux in a while, but it's on a disc that is an
absolute favorite of mine: it includes a distinctive and sensationally
atmospheric performance of the symphonic fragments from Le martyre de Saint
Sébastien. As much as I hate to admit it, Monteux shapes both Nuages and
Sirènes more distinctively than Boulez, and it's only in the Fêtes that Boulez
strikes me as clearly superior...

For those who still haven't heard Monteux's LSO "Nuages" and "Fetes", they were recently uploaded on Youtube.

[Terry Simmons]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

von Karajan is excellent in this music, in my opinion.

[David Wake]

Post by Terry Simmons

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

von Karajan is excellent in this music, in my opinion.

Wow - I wasn't even aware that he's recorded it. Do you have the details?

David

[Stephen North]

Post by David Wake

Post by Terry Simmons

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

von Karajan is excellent in this music, in my opinion.

Wow - I wasn't even aware that he's recorded it. Do you have the details?
David

He didn't

S

[Terry Simmons]

Post by David Wake

Post by Terry Simmons

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

von Karajan is excellent in this music, in my opinion.

Wow - I wasn't even aware that he's recorded it. Do you have the details?
David

Oops, sorry! I was thinking of La Mer. (I have these moments...)

[aesthete8]

Stokowski's "Nuages" reminds me of Streisand's "Verschwiegen Liebe"
where the tempo was slowed down sooooooooo much that something eerie
and mysterious began overcome the music.

Post by Terry Simmons

Post by David Wake

Post by Terry Simmons

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

von Karajan is excellent in this music, in my opinion.

Wow - I wasn't even aware that he's recorded it. Do you have the details?
David

Oops, sorry! I was thinking of La Mer. (I have these moments...)

[Richard Bernas]

Post by Terry Simmons

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

von Karajan is excellent in this music, in my opinion.

I thought he only recorded - and re-recorded - La Mer.
Where can you find his Nocturnes?

Richard

[Alan Cooper]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

I imprinted on Cantelli's Nuages and Fetes, and they remain my
favorites. There is a wonderful recording of all three by Van Beinum
that is available on Australian Eloquence.

AC

[Diaz Philipp]

Post by Alan Cooper

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

I imprinted on Cantelli's Nuages and Fetes, and they remain my
favorites.

I agree with that.
Kai-Uwe

[Matthew B. Tepper]

Post by Diaz Philipp

Post by Alan Cooper

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

I imprinted on Cantelli's Nuages and Fetes, and they remain my
favorites.

I agree with that.

I like Cantelli's Debussy recordings too.

[David7Gable]

My post in this thread is a mine of misinformation. To be repaired later.

-david gable

[Joshua Kaufman]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

My favorite Nocturens, especially in Fetes, is Abaddo on DG.

-Joshua

[David M. Cook]

Post by aesthete8
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

Another vote for the Stokie on EMI:

http://tinyurl.com/wcoy

And also Martinon in that Debussy/Ravel box set, if you don't mind buying
your Debussy in one big lump.

It looks like BRO has a lot of potential Debussy gems:

http://tinyurl.com/wco4

Dave Cook

[Stephen North]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

Monteux press all the right buttons

In its first CD incarnation (or on LP) top Nocturnes in this house - Haitink.

S

[Raymond Hall]

"Stephen North" <***@compuserve.com> wrote in message news:***@posting.google.com...
| ***@hotmail.com (aesthete8) wrote in message news:<***@posting.google.com>...
| > I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
| >
| > It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
| > came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
| > sound of the harp in Nuages.
|
| Monteux press all the right buttons
|
| In its first CD incarnation (or on LP) top Nocturnes in this house -
Haitink.

I'll endorse the Haitink Debussy. On an excellent Philips Duo. Although I am
about to wander out and see if I can pick up the van Beinum La Mer, Images,
and Nocturnes on Eloquence, already mentioned in this thread.

Regards,

# http://www.users.bigpond.com/hallraylily/index.html
See You Tamara (Ozzy Osbourne)

Ray, Taree, NSW

[David Wake]

Post by Raymond Hall
| > I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
| >
| > It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
| > came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
| > sound of the harp in Nuages.
|
| Monteux press all the right buttons
|
| In its first CD incarnation (or on LP) top Nocturnes in this house -
Haitink.

Don't you find that Haitink is too driven in "Fetes"?

David

[aesthete8]

To find out about a new Monteux bio:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mybigfatsymposium

Post by David Wake

Post by Raymond Hall
| > I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
| >
| > It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
| > came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
| > sound of the harp in Nuages.
|
| Monteux press all the right buttons
|
| In its first CD incarnation (or on LP) top Nocturnes in this house -
Haitink.

Don't you find that Haitink is too driven in "Fetes"?
David

[Matthew B. Tepper]

Post by David Wake
Don't you find that Haitink is too driven in "Fetes"?

And this is wrong because...?

[Curtis Croulet]

Post by Raymond Hall
I'll endorse the Haitink Debussy.

I like this too, but the trumpets are too close at the start of the procession
in Fêtes.

[Richard Bernas]

Post by Curtis Croulet

Post by Raymond Hall
I'll endorse the Haitink Debussy.

I like this too, but the trumpets are too close at the start of the procession
in Fêtes.

They also mis-read the upbeat to the fanfare figure, playing it too
fast.
But overall, it is a great performance. A lot of Nocturnes depends on
first rate individual and collective woodwind playing and this is
where the Concertgebouw and Boston SO recordings excel.

I wish Abbado's BSO/DG version was better transfered. Nuages esp.
sounds unfocused, as if the tape EQ was misjudged. I didn't think the
Berlin re-make was as good.

Richard

[Curtis Croulet]

I played this after this little exchange of messages, and I was reminded why
I've always liked this recording. The sound is great, too. Yeah, I wish the
trumpets were further away, but it's not fatal.

[aesthete8]

Concerning Haitink's recording, nothing happened to me when I listened
to it.

And with regard to Stokowski, I felt that he was too
mystical/spiritual and as a result, did not capture the flow which I
feel is crucial to this music.

Concerning Cantelli, I liked his version which was very different from
his mentor Toscanini's 1940 live broadcast. Cantelli captured the
flow, but Toscanini's sounded like puffy white clouds w/a rose blush
sailing like QE2's across an azure sky. Too monumental and
picturesque for me.

Post by Curtis Croulet
I played this after this little exchange of messages, and I was reminded why
I've always liked this recording. The sound is great, too. Yeah, I wish the
trumpets were further away, but it's not fatal.

[David7Gable]

Who would be playing cor anglais in the New Philharmonia Orchestra when Boulez
recorded the Nocturnes for Columbia in December 1968? I love the playing.

-david

[J. R. Robinson]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the
one that came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very
clear, esp. the sound of the harp in Nuages.

Of the recordings I'm well acquainted with -- those directed by
Cantelli, Beinum, Stokowski, Fournet, and Haitink -- I favor the
Fournet [Supraphon]. The Czech PO under Fournet produce a more
earthy and detailed, less suave and homogenized sound than do the
Concertgebouw under Haitink, with Fournet allowing individual
voices, particularly those of the woodwinds, to stand out a bit
more from the orchestral fabric. Fournet adopts slightly slower
tempos than Haitink in "Nuages" and "Fêtes," significantly slower
in "Sirènes," but he generates and expertly maintains inner
tension throughout, and the music flows unimpeded with a natural
sense of ebb and flow. "Fêtes" is treated to a uniquely buoyant
performance, with rhythms being less trenchant but more "well
sprung" and balletic than usual and with woodwinds bouncing
around like a bunch of Mendelssohn's faeries; the stately
procession that runs through the middle of the festivities has
just a hint of a swagger to it that I really like, as well.
Fournet's account of this movement provides a fascinating
contrast to Cantelli's, which is notable for its tremendous sweep
and momentum.

Beinum directs a taut and bracing account with excellent clarity
-- in other words, pretty much what you'd expect from Beinum and
his orchestra. I like it well enough, but it generally strikes
me as a touch too fast and forthright, and tension could be
greater. Stokowski stretches "Nuages" further than he can
sustain it, and tension goes slack. His "Sirènes" goes better,
and his "Fêtes" is quite imaginative, but his performance doesn't
do much for me on the whole. I like Haitink's "Nuages" and
"Sirènes" quite a lot, but his "Fêtes" is too rhythmically square
and inflexible for my liking; even at the moderate pace he
adopts, the movement strikes me as a bit mechanical and
relentless.

I've not heard the Monteux/BSO recording but strongly suspect
that I would like it, as I like Monteux's other Debussy
recordings a great deal. His 1963 account of <Images> with the
LSO is my favorite of that work.

J. R. Robinson
Denver, Colorado

[aesthete8]

Concerning Monteux's BSO recording, I think you'll like it.

Keep in mind that M. knew Debussy; he conducted the ballet premiere of
L'APRES MIDI...

Post by J. R. Robinson

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the
one that came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very
clear, esp. the sound of the harp in Nuages.

Of the recordings I'm well acquainted with -- those directed by
Cantelli, Beinum, Stokowski, Fournet, and Haitink -- I favor the
Fournet [Supraphon]. The Czech PO under Fournet produce a more
earthy and detailed, less suave and homogenized sound than do the
Concertgebouw under Haitink, with Fournet allowing individual
voices, particularly those of the woodwinds, to stand out a bit
more from the orchestral fabric. Fournet adopts slightly slower
tempos than Haitink in "Nuages" and "Fêtes," significantly slower
in "Sirènes," but he generates and expertly maintains inner
tension throughout, and the music flows unimpeded with a natural
sense of ebb and flow. "Fêtes" is treated to a uniquely buoyant
performance, with rhythms being less trenchant but more "well
sprung" and balletic than usual and with woodwinds bouncing
around like a bunch of Mendelssohn's faeries; the stately
procession that runs through the middle of the festivities has
just a hint of a swagger to it that I really like, as well.
Fournet's account of this movement provides a fascinating
contrast to Cantelli's, which is notable for its tremendous sweep
and momentum.
Beinum directs a taut and bracing account with excellent clarity
-- in other words, pretty much what you'd expect from Beinum and
his orchestra. I like it well enough, but it generally strikes
me as a touch too fast and forthright, and tension could be
greater. Stokowski stretches "Nuages" further than he can
sustain it, and tension goes slack. His "Sirènes" goes better,
and his "Fêtes" is quite imaginative, but his performance doesn't
do much for me on the whole. I like Haitink's "Nuages" and
"Sirènes" quite a lot, but his "Fêtes" is too rhythmically square
and inflexible for my liking; even at the moderate pace he
adopts, the movement strikes me as a bit mechanical and
relentless.
I've not heard the Monteux/BSO recording but strongly suspect
that I would like it, as I like Monteux's other Debussy
recordings a great deal. His 1963 account of <Images> with the
LSO is my favorite of that work.
J. R. Robinson
Denver, Colorado

[n***@yahoo.com]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

My two cents:

Favorite versions:
1.) Stokowski, Philadelphia Orchestra (recorded 1937-1939); on
Biddulph WHL 013 CD: "Leopold Stokowski Conducts Music From France
(Vol.III)" Sumptuous, yet distant and spare. Lovely.

2.) Yan Pascal Tortelier, Ulster Orchestra (Chandos); 1990s; my
favorite recording of the "Sirenes," sharply and cleanly done by a
chorus of high-school girls! Excellent sound. This is currently a
$2.99 steal from Berkshire with a superb La Mer, etc.

3.) Stokowski/London SO (EMI) 1957; Voluptuous, famous stereo
recording.

Other good ones:
-Monteux/LSO and Monteux/BSO
-Celibidache/Berlin; 1946
-Giulini/Philharmonia Orch (EMI); 1963?
-Martinon/French Radio Orch. (EMI); 1974?
-Haitink/Concertgebouw (Philips) Overrated, but oft-recommended and
very good in any case. There's a certain tension and hurridness and
maybe even a slight lack of "atmosphere" in this account that is not
my cup of tea in this music. I haven't listened to it in a long time,
even though I admire the clean orchestral playing.


Other interesting versions:
-Furtwangler/Berlin PO (Nuages & Fetes only) (rec. 1951); Yes, WF ! A
very different view, atmospheric but maybe too "heavy;" an interesting
alternative.
-Munch/BSO (RCA) (Nuages & Fetes only)
-Paray/Detroit Sy. Orch (Mercury)

Versions I thought were banal and dull and were culled from my
collection:
-Davis/Boston SO (Philips)
-Thomas/Philharmonia Orch (CBS/Sony)

Some versions I have that I don't remember anything about:

-Reiner/Philharmonic SO of NY (rec. 1938) (Nuages, Fetes only)
-Mravinsky/Leningrad PO (1960)

Other than Tortelier, I have not heard any recent versions, though the
DG Boulez sounds intriguing.

-kev rayburn
(who used to make fun of cats but now has two of them!)

[Matthew B. Tepper]

Post by n***@yahoo.com
2.) Yan Pascal Tortelier, Ulster Orchestra (Chandos); 1990s; my
favorite recording of the "Sirenes," sharply and cleanly done by a
chorus of high-school girls! Excellent sound. This is currently a
$2.99 steal from Berkshire with a superb La Mer, etc.

Ka-Ching! You just made a sale to a patent attorney in Houston. ;--)

[Andy Evans]

Yan Pascal Tortelier is a bloody good conductor - he should get a major
orchestra.

=== Andy Evans ===
Visit our Website:- http://www.artsandmedia.com
Audio, music and health pages and interesting links.

[Matthew B. Tepper]

Post by Andy Evans
Yan Pascal Tortelier is a bloody good conductor - he should get a major
orchestra.

Didn't the Hallé consider him, or have him as principal guest, years ago?

[Andy Evans]

Post by Andy Evans
Yan Pascal Tortelier is a bloody good conductor - he should get a major
orchestra.

Didn't the Hallé consider him, or have him as principal guest, years ago?>>

He hangs around the BBC orchestras. OK, but there are worse conductors with
better orchestras. He's really good in Debussy, Ravel, Falla etc.

=== Andy Evans ===
Visit our Website:- http://www.artsandmedia.com
Audio, music and health pages and interesting links.

[Mazzolata]

Post by Andy Evans

Post by Andy Evans
Yan Pascal Tortelier is a bloody good conductor - he should get a major
orchestra.

Didn't the Hallé consider him, or have him as principal guest, years ago?>>
He hangs around the BBC orchestras. OK, but there are worse conductors with
better orchestras. He's really good in Debussy, Ravel, Falla etc.

I like his Poulenc Gloria and Stabat Mater with the BBC.

[David M. Cook]

Post by Matthew B. Tepper

Post by n***@yahoo.com
2.) Yan Pascal Tortelier, Ulster Orchestra (Chandos); 1990s; my
favorite recording of the "Sirenes," sharply and cleanly done by a
chorus of high-school girls! Excellent sound. This is currently a
$2.99 steal from Berkshire with a superb La Mer, etc.

Ka-Ching! You just made a sale to a patent attorney in Houston. ;--)

I'm afraid that one sailed right over my head.

Dave Cook

[Matthew B. Tepper]

Post by David M. Cook

Post by Matthew B. Tepper

Post by n***@yahoo.com
2.) Yan Pascal Tortelier, Ulster Orchestra (Chandos); 1990s; my
favorite recording of the "Sirenes," sharply and cleanly done by a
chorus of high-school girls! Excellent sound. This is currently a
$2.99 steal from Berkshire with a superb La Mer, etc.

Ka-Ching! You just made a sale to a patent attorney in Houston. ;--)

I'm afraid that one sailed right over my head.

I'd have answered you privately if I had a proper email address for you.

[David M. Cook]

Post by Matthew B. Tepper

Post by David M. Cook

Post by Matthew B. Tepper

Post by n***@yahoo.com
2.) Yan Pascal Tortelier, Ulster Orchestra (Chandos); 1990s; my
favorite recording of the "Sirenes," sharply and cleanly done by a
chorus of high-school girls! Excellent sound. This is currently a
$2.99 steal from Berkshire with a superb La Mer, etc.

Ka-Ching! You just made a sale to a patent attorney in Houston. ;--)

I'm afraid that one sailed right over my head.

I'd have answered you privately if I had a proper email address for you.

d a v e a t d a v i d c o o k d o t o r g

Dave Cook

[Matthew B. Tepper]

Post by David M. Cook

Post by Matthew B. Tepper

Post by David M. Cook

Post by Matthew B. Tepper

Post by n***@yahoo.com
2.) Yan Pascal Tortelier, Ulster Orchestra (Chandos); 1990s; my
favorite recording of the "Sirenes," sharply and cleanly done by a
chorus of high-school girls! Excellent sound. This is currently a
$2.99 steal from Berkshire with a superb La Mer, etc.

Ka-Ching! You just made a sale to a patent attorney in Houston.
;--)

I'm afraid that one sailed right over my head.

I'd have answered you privately if I had a proper email address for you.

d a v e a t d a v i d c o o k d o t o r g

Watch your mail.

[aesthete8]

I have heard the Paray recording of Nuages and his rendition is the
fastest with Monteux coming in 2nd.

I have noticed that it is the non-French conductors who linger over
Nuages in attempt to bring out things in the music that I doubt
Debussy had intended.

Another conductor who has not been mentioned yet is Desormiere who had
a 10" lp of the Nocturnes.

Post by n***@yahoo.com

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

1.) Stokowski, Philadelphia Orchestra (recorded 1937-1939); on
Biddulph WHL 013 CD: "Leopold Stokowski Conducts Music From France
(Vol.III)" Sumptuous, yet distant and spare. Lovely.
2.) Yan Pascal Tortelier, Ulster Orchestra (Chandos); 1990s; my
favorite recording of the "Sirenes," sharply and cleanly done by a
chorus of high-school girls! Excellent sound. This is currently a
$2.99 steal from Berkshire with a superb La Mer, etc.
3.) Stokowski/London SO (EMI) 1957; Voluptuous, famous stereo
recording.
-Monteux/LSO and Monteux/BSO
-Celibidache/Berlin; 1946
-Giulini/Philharmonia Orch (EMI); 1963?
-Martinon/French Radio Orch. (EMI); 1974?
-Haitink/Concertgebouw (Philips) Overrated, but oft-recommended and
very good in any case. There's a certain tension and hurridness and
maybe even a slight lack of "atmosphere" in this account that is not
my cup of tea in this music. I haven't listened to it in a long time,
even though I admire the clean orchestral playing.
-Furtwangler/Berlin PO (Nuages & Fetes only) (rec. 1951); Yes, WF ! A
very different view, atmospheric but maybe too "heavy;" an interesting
alternative.
-Munch/BSO (RCA) (Nuages & Fetes only)
-Paray/Detroit Sy. Orch (Mercury)
Versions I thought were banal and dull and were culled from my
-Davis/Boston SO (Philips)
-Thomas/Philharmonia Orch (CBS/Sony)
-Reiner/Philharmonic SO of NY (rec. 1938) (Nuages, Fetes only)
-Mravinsky/Leningrad PO (1960)
Other than Tortelier, I have not heard any recent versions, though the
DG Boulez sounds intriguing.
-kev rayburn
(who used to make fun of cats but now has two of them!)

[Andy Evans]

I have noticed that it is the non-French conductors who linger over Nuages in
attempt to bring out things in the music that I doubt Debussy had intended.>

Same with the piano Preludes - I did a timing of several pianists and French
ones were among the fastest, the best by far to my ears being Cortot. In one
case he was twice as fast as Zimmerman. It's possible that these works have a
'natural speed' in which the ideas hang together, and that lingering does
little to improve matters.

=== Andy Evans ===
Visit our Website:- http://www.artsandmedia.com
Audio, music and health pages and interesting links.

[aesthete8]

I think that the French are also more concerned with the flow of the
music rather than an analysis/scritinization approach which usually
impedes the flow.

Post by Andy Evans
I have noticed that it is the non-French conductors who linger over Nuages in
attempt to bring out things in the music that I doubt Debussy had intended.>
Same with the piano Preludes - I did a timing of several pianists and French
ones were among the fastest, the best by far to my ears being Cortot. In one
case he was twice as fast as Zimmerman. It's possible that these works have a
'natural speed' in which the ideas hang together, and that lingering does
little to improve matters.
=== Andy Evans ===
Visit our Website:- http://www.artsandmedia.com
Audio, music and health pages and interesting links.

[David7Gable]

Post by aesthete8
I think that the French are also more concerned with the flow of the
music rather than an analysis/scritinization approach which usually
impedes the flow.

Can you provide clear and unmistakable examples of these opposite approaches?

-david gable

[aesthete8]

Could an example be the lack of success non-French singers seem to
have performing melodies (French art songs)?

It seems to me that the French concern for creating an atmosphere and
their viewpoint that the performer is supposed to bring a work of art
to life (ala the theme of Sorcerer's A.) by allowing the meaning of
the song (meaning usually derived from analysis/scrutinization) to NOT
dominate the performance.

Post by David7Gable

Post by aesthete8
I think that the French are also more concerned with the flow of the
music rather than an analysis/scritinization approach which usually
impedes the flow.

Can you provide clear and unmistakable examples of these opposite approaches?
-david gable

[D***@aol.com]

Post by aesthete8
I have heard the Paray recording of Nuages and his rendition is the
fastest with Monteux coming in 2nd.
I have noticed that it is the non-French conductors who linger over
Nuages in attempt to bring out things in the music that I doubt
Debussy had intended.

A very late reply (with some snipping) to this interesting thread, which I guess I missed in 2003. Thanks to its recent resurrector. Regarding Monteux and Debussy, the following is from John Canarina's biography "Pierre Monteux, Maitre" (Amadeus Press, 2003), p. 24. Writing about the Colonne Orchestra's 1908 season and Monteux's participation it, Canarina says that Debussy conducted the orchestra's first performance of La Mer. Monteux was a member of the orchestra. He later conducted a number of rehearsals and performances at which Debussy was present and evidently made his convictions known pretty forcefully. Canarina says the following very interesting and pertinent things;

"Monteux would later recall that Debussy was impatient with conductors and other musicians who performed his works in what he considered to be an excessively delicate and 'perfumed' style. He disliked the term 'impressionism' as applied to his music and insisted that when he wrote *forte* [loud] he wanted *forte*. 'Impressionism' in music implies a subtle depiction of moods and emotions rather than an aurally graphic representation of the subject matter. Debussy would have none of this, though the term continued to be used to describe his music, in spite of his protestations."

Post by aesthete8
Another conductor who has not been mentioned yet is Desormiere who had
a 10" lp of the Nocturnes.

Total agreement! The Supraphon recordings are mono-only, circa 1950 I believe, but the basic sound is very good and the performances magnificent. The same applies to La Mer, recorded by Desormiere with the Czech PO at the same time. Important recordings by a gifted man and conductor whose career was cruelly cut much too short by a disabling stoke circa 1954.

Don Tait

[m***@gmail.com]

Post by D***@aol.com

Post by aesthete8
Another conductor who has not been mentioned yet is Desormiere who had
a 10" lp of the Nocturnes.

Total agreement! The Supraphon recordings are mono-only, circa 1950 I believe, but the basic sound is very good and the performances magnificent. The same applies to La Mer, recorded by Desormiere with the Czech PO at the same time. Important recordings by a gifted man and conductor whose career was cruelly cut much too short by a disabling stoke circa 1954.

I have the following 12" lp. Does it include the Supraphon NUAGES and FETES?:

Loading Image...

[m***@gmail.com]

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Post by aesthete8
Another conductor who has not been mentioned yet is Desormiere who had
a 10" lp of the Nocturnes.

Total agreement! The Supraphon recordings are mono-only, circa 1950 I believe, but the basic sound is very good and the performances magnificent. The same applies to La Mer, recorded by Desormiere with the Czech PO at the same time. Important recordings by a gifted man and conductor whose career was cruelly cut much too short by a disabling stoke circa 1954.

http://classicvinyl.com/files/images/IMG_3797.jpg

Isn't the following the cd for that lp?:

Loading Image...

[D***@aol.com]

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Post by aesthete8
Another conductor who has not been mentioned yet is Desormiere who had
a 10" lp of the Nocturnes.

Total agreement! The Supraphon recordings are mono-only, circa 1950 I believe, but the basic sound is very good and the performances magnificent. The same applies to La Mer, recorded by Desormiere with the Czech PO at the same time. Important recordings by a gifted man and conductor whose career was cruelly cut much too short by a disabling stoke circa 1954.

http://classicvinyl.com/files/images/IMG_3797.jpg

Yes, it does. Parliament LPs were budget-priced USA issues of (mostly) Supraphon recordings, although some other East European labels were also represented, such as Electrecord from Romania.

Don Tait

[m***@gmail.com]

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Post by aesthete8
Another conductor who has not been mentioned yet is Desormiere who had
a 10" lp of the Nocturnes.

Total agreement! The Supraphon recordings are mono-only, circa 1950 I believe, but the basic sound is very good and the performances magnificent. The same applies to La Mer, recorded by Desormiere with the Czech PO at the same time. Important recordings by a gifted man and conductor whose career was cruelly cut much too short by a disabling stoke circa 1954.

http://classicvinyl.com/files/images/IMG_3797.jpg

Guess what pianist loved Desormiere's LA MER?:

http://74.6.116.71/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=%22Richter+said+further%2C+on+listening+to+his+favorite+recording+%28by+Roger+D%C3%A9sormi%C3%A8re%29%2C+%22La+mer+again%3B+shall+I+ever+tire+of+listening+to+it%2C+of+contemplating+it+and+breathing+its+atmosphere%3F+And+each+time+is+like+the+first+time%21+An+enigma%2C+a+miracle+of+natural+reproduction%3B+no%2C+even+more+than+that%2C+sheer+magic%21%22&fr=yfp-t-901&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=%22Richter+said+further%2c+on+listening+to+his+favorite+recording+(by+Roger+D%C3%A9sormi%C3%A8re)%2c+%22+La+mer+again%3b+shall+I+ever+tire+of+listening+to+it%2c+of+contemplating+it+and+breathing+its+atmosphere%3f+And+each+time+is+like+the+first+time!+An+enigma%2c+a+miracle+of+natural+reproduction%3b+no%2c+even+more+than+that%2c+sheer+magic!%22&d=4654530199028159&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=h2DpukwHNDtEopaZto3AWUm2jk4L_AdI&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=7HahGp7x_vqtwdiCC54zXw--

[m***@gmail.com]

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Post by aesthete8
Another conductor who has not been mentioned yet is Desormiere who had
a 10" lp of the Nocturnes.

Total agreement! The Supraphon recordings are mono-only, circa 1950 I believe, but the basic sound is very good and the performances magnificent. The same applies to La Mer, recorded by Desormiere with the Czech PO at the same time. Important recordings by a gifted man and conductor whose career was cruelly cut much too short by a disabling stoke circa 1954.

http://classicvinyl.com/files/images/IMG_3797.jpg

Concerning Desormiere's LA MER, guess what pianist said:

- Best recording of any work ever.

http://books.google.com/books?id=mH89AQAAIAAJ&q=richter+desormiere+%22best+recording+of+any+work+ever%22&dq=richter+desormiere+%22best+recording+of+any+work+ever%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=22wYUvWcGOuvigKSooDQDQ&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAQ

[l***@aol.com]

Richter

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Post by m***@gmail.com

Post by D***@aol.com

Post by aesthete8
Another conductor who has not been mentioned yet is Desormiere who had
a 10" lp of the Nocturnes.

Total agreement! The Supraphon recordings are mono-only, circa 1950 I believe, but the basic sound is very good and the performances magnificent. The same applies to La Mer, recorded by Desormiere with the Czech PO at the same time. Important recordings by a gifted man and conductor whose career was cruelly cut much too short by a disabling stoke circa 1954.

http://classicvinyl.com/files/images/IMG_3797.jpg

- Best recording of any work ever.
http://books.google.com/books?id=mH89AQAAIAAJ&q=richter+desormiere+%22best+recording+of+any+work+ever%22&dq=richter+desormiere+%22best+recording+of+any+work+ever%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=22wYUvWcGOuvigKSooDQDQ&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAQ

[Herman]

Humanly it ought to be possible to quit these inane guessing games.

[Lionel Tacchini]

Post by Herman
Humanly it ought to be possible to quit these inane guessing games.

Technically, filters work fine.

[Al Eisner]

Post by D***@aol.com

Post by aesthete8
I have heard the Paray recording of Nuages and his rendition is the
fastest with Monteux coming in 2nd.
I have noticed that it is the non-French conductors who linger over
Nuages in attempt to bring out things in the music that I doubt
Debussy had intended.

A very late reply (with some snipping) to this interesting thread, which I guess I missed in 2003. Thanks to its recent resurrector. Regarding Monteux and Debussy, the following is from John Canarina's biography "Pierre Monteux, Maitre" (Amadeus Press, 2003), p. 24. Writing about the Colonne Orchestra's 1908 season and Monteux's participation it, Canarina says that Debussy conducted the orchestra's first performance of La Mer. Monteux was a member of the orchestra. He later conducted a number of rehearsals and performances at which Debussy was present and evidently made his convictions known pretty forcefully. Canarina says the following very interesting and pertinent things;
"Monteux would later recall that Debussy was impatient with conductors and other musicians who performed his works in what he considered to be an excessively delicate and 'perfumed' style. He disliked the term 'impressionism' as applied to his music and insisted that when he wrote *forte* [loud] he wanted *forte*. 'Impressionism' in music implies a subtle depiction of moods and emotions rather than an aurally graphic representation of the subject matter. Debussy would have none of this, though the term continued to be used to describe his music, in spite of his protestations."

This is quite enlightening. I was wondering if Toscanini was performing
any Debussy during the composer's lifetime. A google search turned up
this interesting book excerpt -- http://tinyurl.com/mxlhgfd --
but it doesn't seem to quite answer the question.

[m***@gmail.com]

Post by Al Eisner

Post by D***@aol.com

Post by aesthete8
I have heard the Paray recording of Nuages and his rendition is the
fastest with Monteux coming in 2nd.
I have noticed that it is the non-French conductors who linger over
Nuages in attempt to bring out things in the music that I doubt
Debussy had intended.

A very late reply (with some snipping) to this interesting thread, which I guess I missed in 2003. Thanks to its recent resurrector. Regarding Monteux and Debussy, the following is from John Canarina's biography "Pierre Monteux, Maitre" (Amadeus Press, 2003), p. 24. Writing about the Colonne Orchestra's 1908 season and Monteux's participation it, Canarina says that Debussy conducted the orchestra's first performance of La Mer. Monteux was a member of the orchestra. He later conducted a number of rehearsals and performances at which Debussy was present and evidently made his convictions known pretty forcefully. Canarina says the following very interesting and pertinent things;
"Monteux would later recall that Debussy was impatient with conductors and other musicians who performed his works in what he considered to be an excessively delicate and 'perfumed' style. He disliked the term 'impressionism' as applied to his music and insisted that when he wrote *forte* [loud] he wanted *forte*. 'Impressionism' in music implies a subtle depiction of moods and emotions rather than an aurally graphic representation of the subject matter. Debussy would have none of this, though the term continued to be used to describe his music, in spite of his protestations."

This is quite enlightening. I was wondering if Toscanini was performing
any Debussy during the composer's lifetime. A google search turned up
this interesting book excerpt -- http://tinyurl.com/mxlhgfd --
but it doesn't seem to quite answer the question.
--
Al Eisner

There is a Toscanini YAHOO GROUP and here is a discussion of his re-orchestrations:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/arturo_toscanini/message/2375

[m***@gmail.com]

Post by Al Eisner

Post by D***@aol.com

Post by aesthete8
I have heard the Paray recording of Nuages and his rendition is the
fastest with Monteux coming in 2nd.
I have noticed that it is the non-French conductors who linger over
Nuages in attempt to bring out things in the music that I doubt
Debussy had intended.

A very late reply (with some snipping) to this interesting thread, which I guess I missed in 2003. Thanks to its recent resurrector. Regarding Monteux and Debussy, the following is from John Canarina's biography "Pierre Monteux, Maitre" (Amadeus Press, 2003), p. 24. Writing about the Colonne Orchestra's 1908 season and Monteux's participation it, Canarina says that Debussy conducted the orchestra's first performance of La Mer. Monteux was a member of the orchestra. He later conducted a number of rehearsals and performances at which Debussy was present and evidently made his convictions known pretty forcefully. Canarina says the following very interesting and pertinent things;
"Monteux would later recall that Debussy was impatient with conductors and other musicians who performed his works in what he considered to be an excessively delicate and 'perfumed' style. He disliked the term 'impressionism' as applied to his music and insisted that when he wrote *forte* [loud] he wanted *forte*. 'Impressionism' in music implies a subtle depiction of moods and emotions rather than an aurally graphic representation of the subject matter. Debussy would have none of this, though the term continued to be used to describe his music, in spite of his protestations."

This is quite enlightening. I was wondering if Toscanini was performing
any Debussy during the composer's lifetime...

Concerning your wondering:

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!searchin/rec.music.classical.recordings/%22My$20understanding$20is$20that$20Toscanini$27s$20occasional$20retouching$20of$20Debussy$27s$20orchestration$20was$20put$20into$20practice$20only$20after$20Toscanini$20had$20asked$20Debussy$20about$20it$20and$20received$20his$20approval.%22/rec.music.classical.recordings/PfAtW7lQHz0/Vof7PmziNgAJ

[m***@gmail.com]

On Thursday, August 22, 2013 2:20:05 PM UTC-10, Al Eisner wrote:

...I was wondering if Toscanini was performing any Debussy during the composer's lifetime...

Yes he did according to the following:

http://74.6.116.71/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=%22Debussy+agreed+to+some+refinements+Toscanini+suggested+in+the+scoring+%28including%2C+in+the+first+movement%2C+doubling+the+divided+cello+passage+with+violas+and+adding+trumpets+to+the+final+climax%29%22&fr=yfp-t-900&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=%22Debussy+agreed+to+some+refinements+Toscanini+suggested+in+the+scoring+(including%2c+in+the+first+movement%2c+doubling+the+divided+cello+passage+with+violas+and+adding+trumpets+to+the+final+climax)%22&d=4781223153173641&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=MHHvgqURFJR-P7xLi0uca3WE2qwCbBsR&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=YS8NXdWp49g5Yn.xrfbLMQ--

[m***@gmail.com]

Post by n***@yahoo.com

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

1.) Stokowski, Philadelphia Orchestra (recorded 1937-1939); on
Biddulph WHL 013 CD: "Leopold Stokowski Conducts Music From France
(Vol.III)" Sumptuous, yet distant and spare. Lovely.

To listen to Stokowski's 1937 "Nuages," click on the following link:

http://www.stokowski.org/sitebuilderfiles/371107_Debussy_Nuages_Hc.mp3

[Kerrison]

If we have any expert Debussy detectives in here with good extension speakers attached to their computers, maybe they could identify the conductor & orchestra in this You Tube upload. Despite several requests in the comments section, the uploader has failed to divulge the performers. The hall acoustic is very airy after a swimming-pool fashion, so that might give a clue, as might the close miking ...

[Frank Berger]

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Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

1.) Stokowski, Philadelphia Orchestra (recorded 1937-1939); on
Biddulph WHL 013 CD: "Leopold Stokowski Conducts Music From France
(Vol.III)" Sumptuous, yet distant and spare. Lovely.

http://www.stokowski.org/sitebuilderfiles/371107_Debussy_Nuages_Hc.mp3

Have you listened to it?

[m***@gmail.com]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

According to the CAMBRIDGE COMPANION TO DEBUSSY:

- Inghelbrecht's best recordings include a...studio recording of Nocturnes...Coppola is heard to best advantage in...Nocturnes.

http://books.google.com/books?id=dxfALsh5wgUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=cambridge+debussy&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8mIYUtjtKuTuigKruoHwBA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22inghelbrecht's%20best%20recordings%22&f=false

[m***@gmail.com]

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Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

- Inghelbrecht's best recordings include a...studio recording of Nocturnes...Coppola is heard to best advantage in...Nocturnes.
http://books.google.com/books?id=dxfALsh5wgUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=cambridge+debussy&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8mIYUtjtKuTuigKruoHwBA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22inghelbrecht's%20best%20recordings%22&f=false

Concerning Coppola:

http://74.6.116.71/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=%22His+recordings+of+Debussy+have+been+described+as+%22without+rival+for+the+period%22%2C+with+his+1938+recording+of+Nocturnes+eulogized+as+a+%22masterpiece%22%22&fr=yfp-t-900&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=%22His+recordings+of+Debussy+have+been+described+as+%22+without+rival+for+the+period%22%2c+with+his+1938+recording+of+Nocturnes+eulogized+as+a+%22+masterpiece%22%22&d=4949169194273168&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=XkntacrtpQjKn1g8tA4N44mWJJy6ZC8k&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=A6jIbKJ0FzCX.p24iaMHKw--

[m***@gmail.com]

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Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

- Inghelbrecht's best recordings include a...studio recording of Nocturnes...Coppola is heard to best advantage in...Nocturnes.
http://books.google.com/books?id=dxfALsh5wgUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=cambridge+debussy&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8mIYUtjtKuTuigKruoHwBA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22inghelbrecht's%20best%20recordings%22&f=false

http://74.6.116.71/search/srpcache?ei=UTF-8&p=%22His+recordings+of+Debussy+have+been+described+as+%22without+rival+for+the+period%22%2C+with+his+1938+recording+of+Nocturnes+eulogized+as+a+%22masterpiece%22%22&fr=yfp-t-900&u=http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=%22His+recordings+of+Debussy+have+been+described+as+%22+without+rival+for+the+period%22%2c+with+his+1938+recording+of+Nocturnes+eulogized+as+a+%22+masterpiece%22%22&d=4949169194273168&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=XkntacrtpQjKn1g8tA4N44mWJJy6ZC8k&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=A6jIbKJ0FzCX.p24iaMHKw--

It may be of interest to know that Coppola's 1928 recording of Nocturnes can be heard on Youtube.

[c***@ckhowell.com]

It may be of interest to know that Coppola's 1928 recording of Nocturnes can be heard on Youtube.

Any thoughts on Silvestri? Surely a prime contender if a voluptuous, hedonistic view is preferred.

Chris Howell

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Post by c***@ckhowell.com
Any thoughts on Silvestri? Surely a prime contender if a voluptuous, hedonistic view is preferred.
Chris Howell

According to Morin's book:

http://books.google.com/books?id=ayT5T59ckzIC&pg=PA254&dq=%22silvestri+and+the+Orchestre+de+la+Societe+des+Concerts+du+Conservatoire+are+only%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0wwrUq-8K6KWiQKgu4CYCg&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22silvestri%20and%20the%20Orchestre%20de%20la%20Societe%20des%20Concerts%20du%20Conservatoire%20are%20only%22&f=false

[Gerard]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

Is there a big difference between Monteux's BSO recording and his LS
recording?:
=========================

Isn't the Decca recording missing Sirènes?
(if so: that is a very big difference)

[g***@gmail.com]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

According to the following, it's one of Barenboim's best recordings:

http://users.ece.utexas.edu/~perry/fun/music/pgr-comp.html

[Terry]

Post by g***@gmail.com

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

http://users.ece.utexas.edu/~perry/fun/music/pgr-comp.html

It's pretty hard to surpass Abbado in this. Either recording is
top-drawer.

[g***@gmail.com]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

Recent Youtube upload:

Debussy: Nocturnes "Nuages" & "Fêtes" Stokowski / Philadelphia 1928 / 1929 restored

[gggg gggg]

Post by aesthete8
I like Monteux's RCA stereo recording with the BSO.
It has had several reincarnations; the one I like best is the one that
came out on the CRITICS CHOICE record label. Very clear, esp. the
sound of the harp in Nuages.

(On Youtube):

Debussy: Nuages from Trois Nocturnes - A Level Music Analysis