IoS album review: Debussy, La Mer etc – Anima Eterna Brugge/Jos van Immerseel (Zig-zag Territoires)

Jos van Immerseel and Anima Eterna Brugge explore the timbres of the Parisian orchestra on the cusp of the 20th century in this absorbing period-instruments performance of three of Debussy’s most famous works.

Woodwind, brass and strings are highly individuated: the solo flute is blanched in tone, the trombones broad and warm. For sound alone, it is a fascinating experiment, though van Immerseel’s tempi are somewhat indulgent.