Writing his two sets of Préludes for piano between 1909 and 1912 – 24 pieces in all – Debussy insisted that each prélude’s title be printed at the end of the piece, not at the top. The composer did not want to encourage a literal approach. He pooh-poohed the term “Impressionist” – but there is no denying that any pianist who tackles the Préludes has to make a unique impression with each one. They are character pieces.

Some are literal (or literary) character studies, such as Puck, General Lavine: Eccentric, or Dickens’s Pickwick. Others are nature pieces, such as the tempestuous What the West Wind Has Seen, or the delicate Footsteps in the Snow, while others are poetic visions, such as the well-known Engulfed Cathedral. (I prefer Submerged Cathedral, but I quote the program.)

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. Photo © Cassandra Hannagan

Jean-Yves Thibaudet has the technical resources and deep understanding to fully characterise this music in a layered way, bringing out more shades of colour than you would have thought possible from his in nine-foot Steinway...