Debussy - Denis Pascal - Piano


Denis Pascal studied with Pierre Sancan at the Conservatory where in 1384 he gained unanimous first prizes in piano and chamber music, before undertaking further studies ('third cylce-) with Jacques Rouvier, Léon Fleischer and Gyôgy Sandor. Prize- winner in international compétitions in Lisbon, Zurich, the Concert Artist Guild in New-York and the Cziffra, Lavoissier and Menuhin Foundations, he finished his studing with Gyôrgy Sebôk in Bloomington, Indiana, where bc received the Artist Diploma.


He is at present Michel Berrof's assistant at the Paris Conservatory, and bas given solo and chamber music performances in Europe: Palermo , Oveido, Valencia, Alicante, Lisbon; in the USA: Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall, merkin Hall (New-York) , Kennedy Center (Washsington); in Paris: Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Salle Gaveau, Châtelet, theâtre Grevin, and in the following prestigious festivals: Nohan, St-Lizier, Saintes, St-Nazaire, Festival d'Ille de france, la Roque d'Anthéron.


As soloist he has appeared with the Lyon and the Bordeaux Orchestras, with Robert Lamarchina in the USA and with the New Japan Philharmonic.


Denis Pascal performs regulary on the radio (notably Radio-France), and Has Taken part in first performances of works by Theirry Escaich, Nicolas Bacri, Thierry Pécou, George Benjamin, Maurice Ohana. He is much sought after by partners such as Janos Starker, or the late Alin Larion with whom he recorded the complete Beethoven Sonatas. He ueses his musical qualities, and his thirst for the discovery of unduly neglected works, to great effect both in the standard repertoire and in new music. So it is that he bas recorded the Impressionistic Piano (Debussy, Images ) and (the postromantic composer) Joseph Marx's Complete piano Music in a double CD album well received by the critics.

The piano occupied a very important part in Debussy's work. Although having an excellent mastery of the keyboard, lie left few recollections as pianist. Nevertheless, by the number and the importance of his compositions, lie transformed into depth, the literature and the technique of the piano.


 
His impatience was big for ever to look for forms, sounds, harmonies and new rhythms. He should follow another way than that of the Conservatoire. The intuition. He opens so new possibilities of writing and is therefore, the precursor of the composers of the XXsiècle.


"Images". We often wanted to see Debussy as an impressionist. Maybe it is necessary to see in this terni, the saine run-up towards the novelty which inspires the painters of the beginning of the century, but also doubtless, a more sensual, more intuitive appreliension of the world.


And the images, as "photos" can show in a immediate way what does not want to bc described.


Nevertheless, Dbussy's music, is a very written music,again, so much the composer, always worried and anxious, think and correct every note, every agreement.


Here is maybe Debussy's paradox., write in language elaborated 1 what is imaginary and felt..