How can it be that nearly 20 years and 200 clips later, Debussy has appeared as a Classical Clip of the Month only once, and that fifteen years ago? Let's start 2019 right by rectifying this.

Though I am generally not a fan of massive box sets and so-called "complete work" releases, occasionally a really good one comes along (cf. this Schubert one, for example). Warner Brothers has released a Debussy Complete Works collection which is in this latter category. The recordings, on the whole, are really excellent, with some major performers giving solid performances and some lesser-known performers more than holding their own. Of course, not every performance is superb, but then not every piece is, either. Indeed, this seeming negative is actually a positive, as this particular box set, unlike some others on the market, really does seem to be as "complete" as one would like. In addition to the expected fare, one gets alternate versions of works both well-loved and those more obscure; performances of works usually just read about; and, indeed, no less than 7 World Premiere recordings. The 33rd (and final) disc includes Debussy's own piano roll and 78 rpm recordings, and the entire box comes with an informative and well-done booklet of nearly 200 pages.

Enjoy this month's clip, a rarely-heard work for tenor, men's choir, and orchestra from 1883. (Yes, the version for piano four-hands is also included in the collection.)