Claude Debussy, Haydee Schvartz

Awarded the Premio Gardel (Argentine equivalent of the Grammy) for 2021 Best Classical Album.

It may seem odd to some to find a release of Claude Debussy’s music on Mode Records. But actually not, for Debussy is one of the forefathers of the musical developments of the second part of the 20th century.

This recording of the complete Preludes by Haydée Schvartz had its genesis during her studies with pianist and new music specialist Yvar Mikhashoff. Mikhashoff intrigued Schvartz with the titles of the Preludes, which Debussy curiously placed at the end of each.

The booklet’s texts are written by Debussy scholar Denis Herlin, who delves into Debussy’s life, the Preludes, and their titles. The lavishly illustrated booklet contains images referencing these titles.

Bonus tracks: Ms. Schvartz is joined by baritone Bryan Church for the song “Ain’t it funny what a difference a few hours make” from the musical The Yankee Consul which Debussy quotes in Minstrels. Plus an alternate take of Prelude 6 from Book 1, illustrating two different approaches to this music.

The 20-page book contains texts in English and French by Herlin and Schvartz.

Argentine pianist Haydée Schvartz is already known on Mode Records, having released two previous CDs with the label. She is active in new music as well as classical solo and chamber music repertoire and as a soloist with orchestras. Schvartz participated in the Argentinian premiere of John John Cage’s Europera 5 and played the role of Clara Schumann in Gerardo Gandini’s opera Liederkreis at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. She presented the complete piano works of Luciano Berio for the first time in Argentina and Mexico.

Preludes, Book I (1909-10) 47:01 (CD 1)
Preludes, Book II (1912-13) 48:20 (CD 2)
Bonus tracks: “Ain’t it funny what a difference just a few hours make” (Henry Blossom and Alfred G. Robbin) 1:09; Des pas sur la neige (Book I, no. 6), alternate take 4:50

Haydée Schvartz, piano
Bryan Church, baritone (bonus track)

The Gardel Awards are the most important music awards granted in Argentina. They are organized and granted by the Argentine Chamber of Producers of Phonograms and Videograms (CAPIF). They are awarded annually and reward artistic activity carried out during the previous year.