Debussy by Hsia-Jung Chang

Reviews:
"A major new recording. . . this recording easily places itself among the best interpretations, those that serve as benchmarks for Debussy's sound world..."
Marvin J. Ward, Classical Voice of North Carolina

"This is, in the best sense of the word, not a modern recording. . . I never tire of listening!"
Ingvar Nordin, Sonoloco Record Review of Sweden

"Her playing is outstanding, and her interpretations interesting... I look forward to hearing more from this artist. My delight of the week."
Kara Dahl Russell, Delmara Public Radio WSCL

Liner Notes:
This is an album of some all-time favorite Debussy piano music. It focuses on Debussy's unusual gift to convey, through music, the complex sounds and rhythms of nature: of water flowing, of fish swimming, of bells ringing through the rustling leaves, of moonlight flowing through everything. My mother requested that I record this album, so I spent a year learning the repertoire, recording, editing, etc. finishing it coincidentally on my parents anniversary. This album is dedicated to my parents in gratitude for teaching me their love of nature.
I have added comments on some of the tracks which are not on the CD liner because there's room here to do so.

Here are English translations for the titles.
1. Rêverie (Daydreaming)
2. Arabesque I
3. Arabesque II

Suite bergamasque
4. Préludes
5. Menuet
6. Clair de lune (Light of the Moon)
7. Passepied

Images I (1905)
8. "Reflets dans l'eau" (Reflections in the water)
9. "Hommage à Rameau" (Tribute to Rameau)
10. "Mouvement" (Movement)

Images II (1907)
11. "Cloches à travers les feuilles" (Bells through the leaves)
12. "Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fut" (And the moon descends on the temple that was)
13. "Poissons d'or" (Goldfish)

14. La fille sux cheveux de lin (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair)

Pianist/Composer Hsia-Jung Chang performs classical solo piano music, runs the indie label Mandala Studio, and is acting Music Director at Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church. Her label Mandala Studio has released critically acclaimed recordings of classical piano music, experimental music, yodeling tracks by Taiwanese yodeler Ho Lan, and songs in varied styles of Funk, Gospel, and Pop.

hsiajungchang.com
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