Saskia Giorgini Plays Debussy With a Sparkling Joyfulness

Welcome to ‘Dodd’s DSD Discoveries’, a review series from NativeDSD Senior Music Reviewer Bill Dodd. This series focuses on Bill’s latest selections, with new reviews regularly.

I’ve said it before… I love Debussy! I especially love his piano works. I’ve amassed a big collection of CD’s and files by numerous luminaries of the keyboard, and I wouldn’t want to be without any of them. But here’s a recent release that really stands apart.

Normally I divide Debussy interpreters into two groups: The “Just play it and let the notes speak for themselves” group, and the “Impressionists” group. I can’t think of any artists I’ve heard who don’t fall into or somewhere between these styles.

But then along comes Saskia Giorgini with this program of popular pieces. Saskia Giorgini has something to say, and she wears it on her sleeve. You’ll think I’m nuts, but I hear a sparkling joyfulness to much of these pieces. No, I’m not talking syrupy romanticism, I’m simply talking about an airiness – a feeling that she is playing with a smile and saying, “Here, listen to this one!”

Photos © Matteo Girola, Julia Wesely and Ville Hautakangas

I believe she is playing these pieces as Debussy might have wanted, but she is sharing the happiness she feels in doing so. The Pentatone engineers have captured this marvellous artist quite well.

Related Albums…

Debussy Preludes with Ilya Itin Bundle