Pianist: Arturo Michelangeli playing Claude Debussy’s “Reflets dans l’eau” in D-flat major from Images Book 1. “Reflets dans l’eau” translates to “Reflections in the Water.” This pianist was hailed as the most mathematical in the 20th century. Aside from Gould, Michelangeli was considered a “human metronome.” I find his Debussy ~slightly~ dry, but still amazingly colorful. contradictory statement, i know. Images Book 1 consists of three pieces, all composed within 1904 and 1905. I’m intersted to know, DO YOU CONSIDER DEBUSSY “IMPRESSIONISTIC?” if not.. what do YOU think he is?
GavinGlowfox says
Fantastic piece, one of my favorites by Debussy. Very elusive and enchanting.
MintySpunkBubble says
@NoGee06 Apologies, I was probably being rather defensive. I just think that Michelangeli’s version of this is probably the most perfect, beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. I understand he seems anal, overly precise and cold to some (I don’t much like his Chopin compared to Richter’s really), but his restraint up until the end when he lets everything go is explosive… God, did I say that pretentious load of b’lava?
There’s something going on beneath the notes I don’t think people pick upon.
tatopiano says
MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
frederickfrederikfre says
M I C H E L A N G E L I
MatGreen90 says
This is wonderful :) The music is entrancing, but I’ll admit I enjoy the tail-coat and the shoes even more!
Jasoconth says
he makes the notes turn into water…they dont just sound like it…they ARE water . i love his playinggggg
stoklund says
Arturo Michelangeli plays fantastically beautiful!!!!! I wish that he also played Jeux d’eau by Ravel!!!!!!!!!!!! He could probably have smashed in beauty both Georges Cziffra, Sviatoslav Richter and Martha Argerich’s superb versions….. lol
jjpmstd says
Both Debussy and his mentor Satie disliked being called “impressionist”, in their own day. Satie billed himself as a “phonometrician” (meaning “someone who measures sounds”)
I believe, from a century’s distance, and no witness, that Debussy was by far the stronger performer, and works from either demand subtleties beyond master’s level to fully present the gossamer beauty suggested in even their middle works.
villaabel says
@jamesjonesrocket
(…) that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet (…)
Your comment made me laugh. Have a nice day! (And excuse my poor English)
Wienermitan says
Michelangeli produces a perfect and iridescent wonderworld.
I think his hieratic attitude goes perfectly well with this almost untouchable landscape he miracolously manages to bring to life.
Eternity!
BonanzAA says
@Traveler246 LOL! Thanks your comment made me laugh so hard! I really needed it today.
cliffworks4321 says
@Traveler246 pls get yo’ english straight, it shud be, Dat shit be tight, my man, Holmes, yo.
fargoth7 says
@jamesjonesrocket …….but dat shit was pretty tight i must say
prismseeker says
I hear that and I can see the water and the moonlight.
cfwpiano says
@jamesjonesrocket Very telling, your response was rather poorly worded too, don’t you think?
cyberprimate says
@jamesjonesrocket From urban dictionnary “The term probably originated from boxing where close, tight punches are considered good form, whereas wild, open punches are poor form. If a fighter starts to swing wildly (throwing haymakers), his coach might yell out something like “Tighten up!” or “keep that shit tight!”.
Leinadi says
ay, dis is da bomb, holy shizz.
fisthickey says
@jamesjonesrocket you suck
granluce79 says
italians do it better…bravissimo arturo!
faceeyeshands says
The epitome of cool. Doesn’t even break a sweat. I love hearing him play, but watching him conveys his mastery even more. Priceless footage. Thanks
erflaz says
che naturalezza Dio mio,e’ inarrivabile…
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xDil93x says
@inicc Especially jazzy at 0:27
releasethefrogs says
bass note at 1:27 is killer
Traveler246 says
I actually think that Satie’s “phonometric” ways stifled his talent. Don’t get me wrong, I love his work, especially the gymnopedies, but I also understand why you’d think his music could not keep up with Debussy’s.