Debussy: Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune; three Nocturnes; Pelleas et Melisande, concert suite.

Claudio Abbado, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. DG 289 471 332-2.

It's always a joy, of course, to listen to the Berlin Philharmonic, but why does DG so often keep these things under wraps for so long? This recording was made in 1998 and was only just released in America in 2002. Oh, well. It's rapturous music played in rapturous style by Abbado and his distinguished orchestra, and it's good we got it at all.

In fact, the orchestra sounds almost as luxurious as it did under Karajan, no small compliment to maestro Abbado. The three works included on the disc have something to do with it, naturally. They fairly define impressionistic music. The Prelude is probably the best known, and while it has had a boatload of recordings over the years, most of which are still available, Abbado's interpretation is among the most seductive. The three Nocturnes, too, are impressive, but other conductors have done them up as well. No, it's the Pelleas et Melisande suite, arranged years ago by conductor Erich Leinsdorf, that carries the day. It is gorgeous in its Delius-like meandering manner, with waves of sound rolling over the listener in sweet profusion like spring breezes on a warm day. The concert suite leaves out much of the overt action of the complete work, contenting itself mainly with the linking material, which is just fine by me for its relaxed tone and romantic atmosphere.

The sound quality varies, though. The first two items were recorded in Jesus-Christus Kirche sans audience, while the Pelleas music was recorded live at the Berlin Philharmonie. Now, normally I don't fancy live recordings, but in this case it outshines its companions in brilliance, transparency, and dynamics. It simply sounds more alive, although in all fairness the more distanced and veiled sound of the first pieces rather fits their mood. In any case, it's Abbado's conducting and the magnificence of the Berlin ensemble that are probably most at issue here, and they're so good I wouldn't let a little matter like ordinary sonics interfere with a good time.