Krystian Zimerman's survey of one of the most towering monuments in all piano literature simply exudes stylish authority. There is a tremendous sense of power in reserve here--try "Le vent dans la plaine" from Book 1, with its fearsome dynamic range and rolling surges of sumptuous tone--yet at the same time this distinguished Polish virtuoso doesn't miss out on the delicate purity of the evergreen "La fille aux cheveux de lin" ("The Girl with the flaxen hair"). It's conceivable that some collectors might even baulk a little at a display of such relentless, high-octane intensity; in which case they might care to try either the underrated Martino Tirimo on Carlton Classics or the classic mono set from Walter Gieseking on EMI Références (both on one disc and retailing at mid-price). No matter, Zimerman's Debussy demands to be heard. --Andrew Achenbach