I bought this at the Concertgebouw, at the fan store, and that is about the only reason I did so. It never really stuck with me, and while listening to it I tried to find why. It is well played, clearly recorded and beautifully presented. Bruce Liu is the new hope for the pianistic world, and this debut not only appeared on the prestigious DG label, but the recording company also used the best studio they have at their disposal. Yet, something is missing.
Liu tried to find a connection through the ages between different pieces of French music. He finds it in the water. This reflects both in his choices and in his way of playing. It creates a way for the baroque pieces of Rameau to connect with the mysterious late romanticism of Satie. But I didn’t like the Ravel and Satie pieces. They were just a bit superficial somehow. There is more in these than Liu shows us.
The album was a best seller in 2023, and already there is a new album out, so most people don’t seem to agree with my assessment. I’ll leave it to you then.