This Chandos release, Piano Duets, Vol. 2, features the celebrated piano duo of Helene Mercier and Louis Lortie performing works by Claude Debussy. Both artists, who share roots in Montreal and a musical partnership dating back to the 1980s, bring decades of shared experience and musical intimacy to this exploration of Debussy's repertoire for two pianos and piano duet.

Key Features & Musical Content

• Continues the exploration of Debussy's works by the established duo of Helene Mercier and Louis Lortie.
• Features original compositions for two pianos, including Lindaraja and En blanc et noir.
• Includes transcriptions by Ravel, Dutilleux, Woollett, Durand, and Roques.
• The program incorporates material derived from Debussy's well-known orchestral works (like Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune and Nocturnes) and solo piano pieces (such as Clair de lune and La Soiree dans Grenade).
• Mercier and Lortie alternate responsibilities between the first and second player roles across the selections.

Artists & Partnership

Helene Mercier and Louis Lortie are highly sought-after performers whose musical complicity has been strengthened through decades of joint concerts and recordings. This album marks their ninth recording for the Chandos label.

Specifications Summary

This is the second volume in the series dedicated to Debussy's piano duets, presented on a single audio CD.