Is This a One Take LP? - Debussy: 12 Preludes (Book 1) Edward Kilenyi, Pianist. (1951)

This is from 1951 when Remington was recording most of its classical recording in Europe. Sessions were short, miking was done very close to the piano, and for budget companies like Remington - multiple takes and splicing tapes to address mistakes was a luxury they could not afford. So on this recording you will hear all sorts of noises. Things are dropping in the background within the first 30 seconds, equipment is moved, Kilenyi's breathing is prominent in quieter passages, undamped strings vibrate at odd times, and missed notes are not corrected. Kilenyi plays in a very dynamic manner, and he blows through the mike range causing clipping. And of course all this ends up on Remington's notorious cheap vinyl. Despite all of the technical shortcomings, Kilenyi gives a very enjoyable performance in a bravura style that I think is not heard often these days in performances of Debussy. Moreover he never flinches when furniture is falling down behind him! Edward Kilenyi (1910 - 2000) was an American born pianist born in Philadelphia. He came from a Hungarian musical family. He studied music in Hungary, and later returned to the US where he taught at Florida State University for many years. He was a pupil and friend of Ernst von Dohnányi. He played in concerts as a soloist in the US and internationally. He recorded almost exclusively with Columbia Masterworks during the 78 era, and later made over a dozen albums with Remington. Tracks/Movements 00:00 Delphic Dancers 02:33 Sails 05:39 Wind in the Plains 07:34 The Sounds and Perfumes Turn in the Evening Air 11:05 The Hills of Anacpari 13:43 Footsteps on Snow 17:09 What the West Wind Sows 20:00 The Maiden with the Flaxen Hair 22:11 The Interrupted Serenade 24:20 The Sunken Cathedral 29:16 The Dance of Puck 31:41 Minstrels Details: Album title: 12 Debussy Preludes (Book 1) Released by: Remington RLP-199-50 Year released: 1951 Pianist: Edward Kilenyi