Lugansky Debussy, L isle Joyeuse

Claude Debussy (18621918) Lisle Joyeuse L. 106 (19031904) Nikolai Lugansky, 2019 From Moscow Philharmonic Society Debussy s L îsle joyeuse (19031904) was inspired by Watteau s painting Embarkation for Cythere. Debussy s work is a single movement in a highly modified sonata form. Using a technique similar to Chopin s alteration of sonata form in his ballades, the lyrical second subject returns at the brilliant conclusion as a fortissimo paean. L îsle joyeuse has an almost orchestral quality, as well as an unrelenting choreographic rhythmic drive. The cumulative effect is perfectly calculated and overwhelmingly successful. A number of hallmarks of Debussy s mature style parallel sonorities, wholetone structures, multiple layers of sound, atmospheric effects, melodic fragmentation are in full evidence. Steven Coburn