International Piano Magazin

In a world overflowing with Debussy piano discs, Alessandra Amara proves there is room for more. This is an impeccably produced recording, with expert booklet notes by Ammara’s husband and duo partner Roberto Prosseda. The first book of Images is beautifully drawn. Ammara’s variety of touch is limitless, and her excellently prepared Fazioli supports her journeys of the imagination. It’s clear that great thought has gone into the vexed subject of pedalling: Prosseda’s description of Debussy’s counterpoint as ‘polytimbric’ seems particularly apposite here. Ammara has all the technique required for the Préludes; her greatest strength, though, is in the individual characterisation of each. Very few fall short of the mark, though perhaps ‘Cathédrale’ loses its sense of grandeur and expanse. Finally, and best of all, is the Fauré-influenced Nocturne. Like the Fantaisie for piano and orchestra, this is late-Romantic but still identifiably Debussy. Ammara lavishes great affection on a piece in which she evidently fully believes. Recommended.