[A.Smith]

Yesterday I did a really interesting activity with a student of mine, where we sat down and listened to 4 different sax players doing the 1st half a page of the Debussy. We then discussed what we liked about each/didn't like. So I'm asking what is your favourite recording of the Debussy and why? Also if you like attributes of other sax players interpretation's what were they?

 

[Angel]

That's a good activity. Basically forces kids to focus and listen critically. I did that to myself with the Glazounov Concerto when I was in mid-college, and those Glaz recordings happened to be the beginning of my saxo library...

I like Londeix, Deffayet, Sugawa, Fourmeau's recordings with orchestra off the top of my head. I'd have to listen to Delangle's and others again, because I simply forgot what he did. He was quite young at that point.

FWIW, Bornkamp's and Gauthier's recordings with piano are great too, and I saw Connie Frigo and Donald Sinta do the Debussy in recitals that I found to be very enjoyable.

I like the different interpretations for different reasons. I respect the clean, elegant, and restrained Apollonian French approach as well as the robust romantic playing of others like Bornkamp and Sinta. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a mid-rare ribeye, and other times I prefer a simple grilled white fish. Tasty!!

Angel

 

[socomthief9]

I love Marcel Mule's the best. I have heard several recordings and nobody really plays with as much subtlety, sensuousness, and liveliness. Unfortunately, the recording is a bit old. And so the orchestra is not as well recorded as they are today. Therefore, if i was to pick the recording with the best orchestra I would probably pick the New York philharmonic recording w/ Sigurd Rascher.

 

[martinm5862]

Yesterday I did a really interesting activity with a student of mine, where we sat down and listened to 4 different sax players doing the 1st half a page of the Debussy. We then discussed what we liked about each/didn't like. So I'm asking what is your favourite recording of the Debussy and why? Also if you like attributes of other sax players interpretation's what were they?

I like the blend John Harle gets with the orchestra. Almost as if he was sitting in the woodwind section. Interestingly he claims to have been influenced by
Paul Desmond. Dry sound, tasteful vibrato. Similar to Delangle?

Martin

 

[Rackety Sax]

I like Deffayet's, beautifully controlled tone.

The Rascher version is my least favorite recording of his.

And I agree, "comparative listening" is really an excellent listening activity.

 

[jonathanbyrnes]

A.smith,

What was your prefered recording?

 

[socomthief9]

I like Deffayet's, beautifully controlled tone.

The Rascher version is my least favorite recording of his.

And I agree, "comparative listening" is really an excellent listening activity.

Yeah, this is perhaps the worst Rascher recording. I was totally surprised when i heard it. Tone immediately jumps out as the first problem, then intonation, the vibrato speed. But, it is Sigurd Rascher! I also like the french horns in the recording.

I have not heard Deffayet's.