Debussy: Rhapsody for clarinet & piano (or orchestra), L. 116 'Première rapsodie'

“this is beautifully detailed playing throughout. And a fine balance of just that clarity and colour, elegance and lyricism, that I was talking about right at the beginning. That’s why, of these three excellent new recordings, this is the one I would personally buy.” BBC R3 CD Review

This volume of Debussy’s orchestral works under Ernest Ansermet brings together all of the composer’s acknowledged masterpieces together with some of the shorter pieces. The rare 1951 recording of Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune and the 1949 recording of the Images make their first appearance on CD. Ansermet’s second recording of La Mer – he also recorded the piece for Decca in 1947, 1957 and 1964 – his first of the Nocturnes, and the early stereo version of Jeux are, likewise, all rarities. The anthology is completed with an authentically French-sounding Rapsodie pour clarinette as well as a lush Clair de lune and a delectable Petite suite.

Sharon Kam is possibly one of the world’s great clarinetists. On this CD, presented as a profile of her outstanding musicianship, she is joined by Lars Vogt, Antje Weithaas and Gustav Rivinius, in pieces by Hindemith, Poulenc and Debussy.

These are very rare pieces, performed by Clemens Krauss .

Accompanied by the Wiener Philharmoniker, these are 1944/45 recordings of Ravel, Suk and Debussy and are presented in good sound quality. They are also the first release on any format.