Vikingur Olafsson Debussy & Rameau (2 LPs)

Bol Partner

Víkingur Ólafsson’s album 'Debussy – Rameau' is a 2LP classical recording in which the Icelandic pianist creates a dynamic musical dialogue between two pivotal French composers: Jean-Philippe Rameau, master of the baroque era, and Claude Debussy, a revolutionary of modern impressionist music. The album was released by Deutsche Grammophon and represents Ólafsson’s third major solo project following his internationally acclaimed interpretations of Philip Glass and J.S. Bach. The central idea behind the album is Ólafsson’s desire to expose the subtle artistic connections between Rameau and Debussy, who lived almost two centuries apart. Rameau laid the foundations of French keyboard harmony, while Debussy brought these traditions to new expressive heights, using sound color and innovative structures. Ólafsson presents works from each composer in alternating sequence, allowing the listener to experience how themes of freedom and discipline, structure and spontaneity, resonate across their different styles. He regards both composers as musical rule-breakers, with Rameau’s unexpected harmonic choices opening doors later explored by Debussy in his refined impressionist forms. The genre is classical piano, with repertoire ranging from the intricate ornamentation of Rameau’s baroque Pièces de clavecin to the ethereal soundscapes of Debussy’s solo piano works. Ólafsson’s performance is characterized by transparency, clarity, and expressive narrative—each note meticulously shaped to highlight both the similarities and contrasts in the composers’ approach to keyboard music. Recorded as a double LP, the album features a selection of well-known and lesser-heard pieces. Among the tracks, 'Jardins sous la pluie' demonstrates Debussy’s capacity for vivid impressionistic imagery and rhythmic animation. From Rameau, the inclusion of 'Les tendres plaintes' showcases delicate melodic lines and harmonic inventiveness typical of his mature keyboard writing. Another highlight is Ólafsson’s own arrangement of Rameau’s 'The Arts and the Hours,' which transforms an operatic scene into a reflective, meditative piano work. The album also presents Debussy’s 'La fille aux cheveux de lin,' cherished for its lyrical simplicity, and 'The Snow is Dancing,' where shimmering textures nod to Rameau’s harmonic legacy. As the album unfolds, more Rameau keyboard gems such as 'La Poule' and 'Les Sauvages' are integrated, underscoring the baroque origins of French pianism. Debussy’s 'Serenade for the Doll' and 'Ondine' offer atmospheric contrasts, emphasizing the evolution of expressive possibilities on the piano. Víkingur Ólafsson closes the album with Debussy’s 'Hommage à Rameau,' a poignant tribute encapsulating the continuity and transformation of French keyboard artistry across generations. This work, a sarabande from Debussy’s 'Images' book one, bridges the gap between the two composers and serves as a summation of Ólafsson’s artistic thesis: tradition and innovation exist side by side, and the influence of Rameau can be traced in the very fabric of Debussy’s modernism. With its nuanced programming and emotionally charged interpretations, 'Debussy – Rameau' invites listeners on a transformative journey through French piano music. The album stands out not only for its technical mastery and thoughtful curation but also for its ability to illuminate the deep resonance between baroque and impressionist idioms. This release is highly recommended for both connoisseurs of classical piano and those seeking to explore the artistic interplay between two of France’s most visionary composers.

Fnac

verzamelalbum - Verschenen op 27/03/2020 - bij Deutsche Grammophon