Ernest Ansermet (1883–1969) made a series of recordings (with great producers such as
Ray Minshull and others) of music by Debussy in the late 1950s and early ’60s that were
second to none. Today, these interpretations are still considered a yardstick by which others are judged.

Ansermet worked closely with many of the leading composers of the day, especially Ravel and Stravinsky as he was conductor of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes from 1915 to 1923. He met Debussy in 1917 to discuss revisions to the Nocturnes, and gave what can be considered authentic performances of the composer’s works with his recently established Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.

Ansermet was an outspoken and forward-looking man. His recordings are famed for their clear authoritative tone, and his sensitivity and awareness in recording Debussy.