Walter Geiseking Debussy: Images, Pour Le Piano, Estampes

The affinity of Walter Gieseking for the music of Debussy is nothing less than legendary. As Gramophone magazine wrote: 'Debussy and Gieseking form an inseparable union where creator and recreator become one and the same person. Had Debussy lived to hear Gieseking he would surely have marvelled at such an uncanny identification with his very spirit.' These miraculous recordings, dating from the early 1950s, continue to set a standard in the interpretation of the French master’s music. Remastered in 24bit/96kHz.

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet’s vivid and personal interpretations of Debussy’s complete works for piano are available for the first time in an attractive five-volume set, this is the series that put Bavouzet on the map, and established him firmly as a leading and internationally acclaimed pianist.

Walter Gieseking (1895–1956) has long been regarded as one of the supreme interpreters of Debussy, his recordings having achieved almost definitive status. But it’s generally his later recordings from the early 1950s which have been reissued time and time again. His first Columbia recordings, mostly made in the 1930s, are much less known, yet many critics have regarded them as even finer than the later remakes. Here then are these legendary recordings in what we consider to be the finest transfers from the original 78s they have ever had.

Walter Wilhelm Gieseking was a French-born German pianist and composer. Gieseking was renowned for his subtle touch, pedaling, and dynamic control—particularly in the music of Debussy and Ravel; he made integral recordings of all their published works which were extant during his life. He also recorded most of the solo piano works by Mozart.

As a pianist Philippe Entremont is recognized for his performances in the early 20th century repertory and music of the Classical era. Yet, he also has performed and recorded the concertos of the major Romantic composers, as well as conducting orchestral works from the same periods.