Debussy: La mer & Ariettes oubliées

"...The prize here is Brett Dean's idiomatic orchestration of Debussy's settings of Verlain, Ariettes oubliées.  The performance of La mer is neatly laid out, but for my taste too laid back..."

*** (Good Album)

“... Debussy's six Verlaine settings, Ariettes Oubliées, are recorded here in orchestrated versions by composer/violist Brett Dean. It displays Kožená's fine musicianship though texts are unclear in the Jesus-Christus-Kirche acoustic. Linn's exemplary booklet essay deals with the interwoven lives of Fauré and Debussy, eg, how the commision for incidental music for Pelléas was refused by the latter - arranged by Koechlin the Suite recycles the very familiart Sicilienne, Op. 78. It's sympathetically performed with Ticciati, whose La Mer s impressive (but bass drum is rather too prominent in the finale).” ****½

Music ****          Sound *****

”... With an interesting coupling and good performances, Robin Ticciati’s first recording with his Deutsches Symphonieorchester Berlin is attractive. Magdalena Kozena is a convincing performer in Brett Dean’s very good orchestration of Debussy’s Ariettes oubliées.” ****

“It suits Ticciati’s considered way with Debussy uncommonly well. Everything is beautifully balanced and clear. Shifts in colour and texture are carefully teased out...” 

“... Fauré’s Prelude to Penelope surges and sweeps, Debussy’s Pelléas and Mélisande suite has a rich, sombre beauty and La Mer sounds robust, brooding and vast.”  ****