Debussy: L'isle joyeuse, L. 106 [Horowitz 1966]

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November 27, 1966: Carnegie Hall, New York City, New York (Live)

L'isle joyeuse was inspired by Watteau's painting Embarkation for Cythere. Debussy's work is a single movement in a highly modified sonata form. Using a technique similar to Chopin's alteration of sonata form in his ballades, the lyrical second subject returns to the brilliant conclusion as a fortissimo paean. A number of hallmarks of Debussy's mature style -- parallel sonorities, whole-tone structures, multiple layers of sound, atmospheric effects, melodic fragmentation -- are in full evidence. [Steven Coburn]

Horowitz's performance has an almost orchestral quality, as well as an unrelenting choreographic rhythmic drive. The cumulative effect is perfectly calculated and overwhelmingly successful. The effective transition of the atmosphere in each section, as if changing the curtain, amplifies the flow of the entire piece and improves its completeness.