Instrument: Tentet
Grade: conservatoire
Catalogue No: EC031
ISMN No: 9790570661718
General Lavine - excentric, No. 6 from the second book of piano Préludes, reflects the composer's fascination with clowns and music hall performers and is the only piece in the two volumes dedicated to a living person. 'General Lavine - excentric ', (Debussy's own spelling), or 'The Man Who has Soldiered All His Life' as Lavine called himself, would have been seen by Debussy in Paris at the Marigny Theatre in 1910 and probably later in 1912. The score is marked 'in the style and movement of a cake-walk' and following its fanfare-like opening, Debussy uses many varied and bizarre musical gestures to mimic the absurd appearance and slapstick comedy of Lavine, including a discreet quotation from the popular minstrel tune, 'Camptown Races'.
This arrangement was specially made for the album 'Preludes, Rags and Cakewalks' (MPR 005), performed by The Symphonic Brass of London conducted by Eric Crees. All of the transcriptions are new and original, making this a world premiere recording.
‘Super playing from living legends of the London orchestral brass scene. In these fantastic arrangements it’s sometimes hard to believe these pieces weren’t originally scored for brass. The musicianship throughout is second to none and the sound is an absolute treat.
Eric Crees pays his affectionate respects in performances subtly styled, coloured and paced - from the touchingly restrained to the joyfully raucous. Musical authenticity permeates through, understated yet valued in placement and precision. It is a fabulous exploration that deserves the richest of accolades on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.’
Iwan Fox - 4 Bars Rest - Verdict *****
