Pianist Dávid Báll follows his Pure DSD 256 Stereo recording of Grosses Konzertsolo with a new Live to Pure DSD 256 Stereo recording featuring Debussy Preludes, L123, Book II. It is exclusively available at NativeDSD in its original recorded format of Pure DSD 256 Stereo, as well as Pure Stereo DSD 512, DSD 128, and DSD 64. It is not available on SACD.
David Ball says “Few of Claude Debussy’s Preludes form part of the established piano repertoire – and the first volume (published in 1910) and second volume (published in 1913) are rarely heard in their entirety. Yet the bleak, gloomy, melancholic pieces of the second volume in particular speak to me so deeply that I play them as part of my concerts quite often, and so I have chosen to record them first. Ways of performing the works of French impressionist composers vary widely, and this is especially true of the last third of the twentieth century and indeed our own time. In my view, all too often the artists’ desire for self-expression occludes that of the composer almost entirely.
Happily, recordings of luminaries such as Béla Bartók, Ernő Dohnányi, and Sergei Rachmaninoff playing their own music survive, and I have found myself going back to them because they offer much more than the opportunity to study the performing arts and recording practices of the time. For example, while Debussy’s notation is meticulous, the contrast between his restraint in pedal markings and the freedom of his performance is striking: He only asks for the use of the pedal – and for two measures only – in the first of the twelve Preludes that constitute the second volume. Of course, this relationship is endlessly complex and ultimately unfathomable, but that is not the point. Rather by examining it, we have the chance to see and hear the music afresh, challenge our assumptions, and reflect our respect for the composer’s own performance by choosing to cleave to their recording over their manuscript when there is a clear choice to be made. That is the approach I have taken in the interpretations I offer here.
The unique beauty, clarity, and infinite depth of these pieces has captivated so many generations already – and I hope that this recording of his music will continue the work that Debussy began.”
Featured in blog post Notes on Recent Finds, No. 9 – Endless Bounty from NativeDSD by music reviewer Rushton Paul.
Dávid Báll, Pianist
Tracklist
Please note that the below previews are loaded as MP3.Total time: 00:39:07
Additional information
| Label | |
|---|---|
| SKU | HRES2309 |
| Qualities | DSD 512 fs, DSD 256 fs, DSD 128 fs, DSD 64 fs, FLAC 192 kHz, FLAC 96 kHz |
| Channels | |
| Artists | |
| Composers | |
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| Original Recording Format | |
| Instruments | |
| Mastering Engineer | Tom Caulfield |
| Recording Location | Live Recording in Stereo Pure DSD 256 at Hunnia Records Studios on June 17, 2023 |
| Piano Technician | Balázs Tóth |
| Recording Engineer | Tibor Lahó |
| Producer | Róbert Zoltán Hunka |
| Release Date | June 30, 2023 |
Press reviews
Positive Feedback
‘m loving this recording. Nicely captured piano sound. Plus, Dávid Báll is just very, very good. And he is definitely the highlight of the album. His Debussy scintillates, dances, ducks and weaves, and keeps one completely engaged to explore what will be coming next. At the same time, this is not light delicate Debussy—Báll plays with a muscular power that reminds me of Ivan Moravec (a high compliment). And, yet, like Moravec, he is able to slip into the most delicate and nuanced of moments. Oh, yes, I am very definitely enjoying the playing of Dávid Báll!
Happily, I understand that Hunnia has scheduled Dávid for a recording of Debussy’s Preludes, Book I, and some Bartok. I can’t wait!
1 review for Debussy Préludes, L123, Book II [Pure DSD]
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Review: I attempt to provide the reader with context for the review comments. The subject is Debussy Preludes, Book 2. This is a collection of short piano works available from Native DSD.
Performance: This performance occurred in Hunnia Record studio on June 17, 2023. David Bell is the pianist. The performance is an appropriate interpretation of Debussy impressionism. Pay particular attention to the third work “La Puerta del Vino” for his cascading rhythms.
Production. The recording was made by the Hunnia team in Pure DSD 256 Stereo.
Playback System. The playback system is designed to be highly resolving in order to adequately evaluate the selection’s attributes. A brief description of the playback system components follows for those interested in such details: Stromtank 2500 power regeneration; Atlas Assimi grounded cables; an Innuos Statement network server; Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC; Tom Evans MasterVibe preamplifier; monoblock Audion Golden Dreams with PX25; and Songer 1x single point source field coil speakers.
Reference Works. For review purposes, I did not compare this work with any others.
Review Elements. Live or Studio Setting; Channel Dominance (Right, Centered or Left;) Soundstage (Deep or Shallow, Narrow or Broad;) Audio Spectrum (Narrow, Wide, Bass Depth, Treble Clarity;) Dynamic Range (Compressed or Expanded volume range;) Instrument Separation (Distinct or Muddy;) Realism (Recorded or Life Like;)
Review: This is a studio production. The channels were balanced with remarkable soundstage depth and breadth, particularly for a single instrument recording. The audio spectrum was wide with Bass Depth and Treble Clarity. The acoustics of the recording studio were superb. This is a solo piano performance. The recording detail is finely detailed. The striking of the hammers on the keys has a “live sound” to it. The reverberation of the piano sound board is subtle and fades to nil with realistic precision. The instrument location was lifelike and distinct with the treble range on the right and bass range on the left as if the listener were a few feet behind the pianist. The Dynamic Range is excellent. The bass is rich and the treble is clear, not harsh.
Conclusion: As one would expect, this Pure DSD 256 recording is studio grade. Actually better than vinyl or tape. A “must have” if one enjoys French impressionism piano works and Debussy. It would be hard to imagine a higher total experience piece. For the combination of all these factors, this is a reference work of this piece.
Gjstadt Lander (verified owner) –