Review of CD Recording - Centaur Records
Debussy Preludes, Bks. 1 & 2

Claude Debussy Preludes Books 1 & 2
Elaine Greenfield (piano)
Centaur - 2693/4 (CD)

Greenfield's performances on the two-CD set are impeccable, the result of years of study. Debussy's intent becomes clear, and for the first time I realized how this music was meant to sound....
....ethereal qualities in the music seem effortless. "La terrasse des audiences du clair du lune" from book two, is the nearest thing to moonlight in sound I've heard...
....a slightly veiled, voluptuous sound

PHILIPPA KIRALY - Clavier Magazine / Dec. 2005

The 1907 Blüthner grand belonging to the piano collection of Michael and Patricia Frederick is of similar type to the Blüthner that Debussy owned and composed upon....Indeed, this piano's gentle resonance and acute timbral distinctions come close to matching the composer's piano without hammers ideal.
   There's no questioning Greenfield's sensitivity to and control over the Blüthner.... She maintains the soft arpeggios and sudden loud outbursts throughout Feux d'artifice in a textural and dynamic perspective that makes the climactic downward glissando all the more surprising. Alluring pedal effects also help sustain Greenfield's leisurely spacing of slower pieces like Danseuses de Delphes, De pas sur la neige, La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune, Voiles, Feuilles mortes, and La Cathédrale engloutie.... She meets certain technical challenges with no effort, such as Book 2 #11's difficult-to-shape alternating thirds.
..... the engineering does both piano and repertoire more than justice.
JED DISTLER - ClassicsToday.com

Elaine Greenfield's Debut On Piano Is Admirable

     It's refreshing to hear a young pianist present a debut recital of the sort given by Elaine Greenfield last Sunday afternoon in Carnegie Recital Hall. Not only was the choice of music well-balanced and unhackneyed, but each piece was admirably tailored to the pianist's capabilities and temperament.
      Miss Greenfield, who lives and teaches in Vermont possesses a formidable technique that she uses more for intimate expressive purposes than for flashy surface effect. This was especially apparent in Schumann's deceptively difficult "Papillons." Each tricky phrase was exquisitely turned, textures merged with crystalline clarity and the entire work was infused with a tonal warmth and graceful airiness that caught the capricious nature of the music perfectly.
      A major proportion of Miss Greenfield's sympathies apparently lie in the French repertory, for she offered a generous selection from Debussy's second book Of Preludes, Ravel's "Oiseaux tristes" and Faure's Theme and Variations (Op.). The Preludes were particularly well conceived, characterfully etched in a clearly drawn, rhythmically strong profile that made a welcome contrast to the mushy Impressionistic haze that many pianists consider appropriate for this composer. PETER G. DAVIS - NEW YORK TIMES

"...clean, clear, insightful playing. The program was innovative and absorbing from beginning to end " WASHINGTON POST

"...such variety of sound is rarely encountered. Ms. Greenfield is a master colorist." PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

"Beautiful playing!" LORIN HOLLANDER

"Elaine Greenfield played with feeling and sensitivity .. "
THE RECORD Williamstown, Mass.

"A pianist of extraordnary qualities Sensitive and knowledgeable interpretation of the different styles. I was very impressed by her performance of the Debussy compositions. I believe that she deserves special attention!" JULIO ESTEBAN Peabody Conservatory of Music

"an excellent performance!" Robert J. Lurtsema "Morning Pro Musica" WGBH, BOSTON

"Elaine Greenfie1d seeks a lyric balance between intellect and emotion. Though she plays with wonderfully clear articulation, her precision always possesses a touch of the lyrical. She more often plays for the precisely captured insight than the overpowering clinax. " BARRE TIMES ARGUS

"Greenfield a Treat -- Her performance here was positively breathtaking. Ms. Greenfield was letter, note, and spirit perfect... There was a storm of applause. BURLINGTON FREE PRESS

About the cassette, Music of Her Own -Two Centuries of Songs & Piano Works by Women:
"...music unfamiliar to me and all performed with artistry and sensitivity--a sheer delight." DR. LOUIS NAGEL, pianist/musicologist - University of Michigan

"In addition to an exquisite performance of the highest calibre, the program was informative. Jill Levis and Elaine Greenfield provide delightful commentary and always include the audience in their presentation. I recommend them highly." KATE TAMARKIN, Conductor, Monterey Symphony Orchestra and East Texas Symphony Orchestra.