The works in Debussy's second book of Préludes (1910-1913) are similar in intent to those of Book I| (1907-1910). Several of them look ahead to Debussy's later style, in which the composer's earlier impressionistic, almost Romantic poetry was supplanted by a greater concentration upon technique and neoclassical objectivity. In addition, perhaps because Debussy's style is so prone to mannerism, several of the Préludes in Book II bear strong similarities to those from the earlier set.
No. 8 "Ondine" depicts the legendary water sprite with a subtly changing atmosphere, as in the previous Prélude. Typical "water-like" arpeggiated figuration alternates with scherzando outbursts.

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Kirsten Farnsworth, piano
From Recital at the University of Colorado, Boulder in Fall 2009

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