Martha Argerich - Claude Debussy Préludes · Volume 1 - Japan 2 SACD Hybrid Limited Edition

Credits:

Martha Argerich

Description:

Two Debussy albums originally recorded by Michelangeli on analog in the 1970s for DG have been remastered in the latest high-quality format! Newly restored from the original analog master tapes. Some tracks are being released on SA-CD for the first time worldwide! The new liner notes feature an essay by Shinnosuke Nagai titled “Michelangeli’s Perfect Pianism Sublimated into ‘Beauty’”! In September 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli’s (1920–95) passing, we released “Chopin Recital (2025 Remaster)” (PROC-2443) as part of this project, which was well-received thanks to a dramatic improvement in sound quality. In this latest reissue, we are finally releasing the two-disc set of "Debussy: Piano Works" for DG, widely regarded as one of the quintessential expressions of Michelangeli’s artistry. These are among the few official recordings Michelangeli made with DG in the 1970s, and each piece has been hailed as a definitive performance. Immediately after signing with DG, the tracks on DISC 2—"Images, Books 1 and 2" and "Children’s Corner"—were recorded in Munich in July 1971 (following the recording of "Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 4" from July through August, and the aforementioned "Chopin Recital" in Munich in October of the same year). and approximately seven years later, in June 1978, Disc 1’s “Preludes, Book 1” was recorded in Hamburg. Note that while “Preludes, Book 2” was subsequently recorded digitally in 1988, it has not been included on this SA-CD hybrid release. Please understand that this decision stems both from the production intent of this project—which focuses on converting analog recordings to SA-CD—and from the judgment of DG, the original label. There are few recordings by Michelangeli for DG (& DECCA); even including albums released posthumously, there are only 10 CDs in total (including two Schumann works recorded for the BBC in 1957 and a 1964 DECCA recording; this equates to 13 distinct albums based on first-release titles). DG’s original official recordings were limited to Mozart works conducted by Code Garben from 1971 to 1990, and the concertos were limited to Beethoven’s Nos. 1, 3, and 5 (released in 2017 as PROC2070 in this series) and Mozart’s Nos. 13, 15, 20, and 25. While all of these are masterful recordings, the early Debussy recordings in particular stand out as a rare, comprehensive collection of solo works. Since their release, they have garnered such high acclaim worldwide that it is safe to say they are among Michelangeli’s most representative recordings. His technique is nothing short of perfect, and each meticulously crafted tone possesses a gem-like brilliance that captivates the listener. Furthermore, his rich musicality brings out the originality of Debussy’s works even more, creating a truly sublime sound. In *Preludes, Book 1*, the poetic quality of the famous No. 8, “La fille aux cheveux de lin,” and No. 10, “Le temple submergé,” is magnificent, and this remastered edition allows listeners to appreciate Michelangeli’s brilliance even more fully. Along with the aforementioned “Chopin Recital,” please savor this Debussy album, which represents the pinnacle of Michelangeli’s artistry. Every piece is unified by a strong sense of purpose, and not a single note can be taken lightly. In that sense, there is great significance in appreciating this latest remastered edition, and with this release allowing for the discernment of even finer nuances, I look forward to further acclaim for the album. (1/2)