“MSR Classics has made a habit of scouring the under-the-radar territory for artists that while, not normally considered “front rank” like all the names we are so familiar with, are nevertheless top notch in their technical abilities, and ofttimes even better than the “stars” featured by the more famous companies. Such proves the case here. I had never heard of Terry Lynn Hudson…but she certainly has the measure of Claude Debussy’s immortal Preludes…Hudson knows this music very well and approaches it with a fine, graded, and intimate sensibility. There is a smoothness to her method that is enhanced by the warm and equally intimate sound that MSR provides…a real pleasure on the ears. Easily recommended then, even as a first choice in this repertory.” Steven Ritter, Audiophile Audition, September 2018

 

“Terry Lynn Hudson’s account of the Preludes stands very well with the more illustrious pianists in this review [like Gulda and Barenboim]…With a number of publications to her credit, it is no surprise that her booklet essay is top notch…The performances are clear and rhythmically very precise. She brings a tremendous variety of piano colors to this music. Her technique is solid and doesn’t flinch at the requirements of ‘Ce qu’a vu le Vent d’Ouest’ or ‘Feux d’artifice.’ The humor in ‘La Danse de Puck’ or ‘Hommage a S. Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C.’ is never forced, but brought a big smile to my face…In summary, I’d recommend Hudson to anyone as a first set of Preludes. They are solid interpretations, very well played, that put the music first and foremost.” James Harrington, American Record Guide, July/August 2018

 

“Terry Lynn Hudson’s exemplary reading of both books of Preludes, a two-CD set from MSR Classics that is being sold for the price of a single disc, is an excellent introduction to the music for anyone unfamiliar with it–and stands up very well against other recordings, for those who know the material already. Hudson is especially adept at gently evoking Debussy’s scenes of quietude and sadness, notably in Brouillards and La cathédrale engloutie. Debussy’s piano music, generally speaking, is subtle and understated, and this is precisely where Hudson excels. She does not over-sentimentalize these pieces and, indeed, does not over-interpret the ones that benefit from direct and straightforward presentation…Her performance imparts a certain overarching connectedness among the works even in the absence of a predetermined relatedness through keys. Hudson also has a keen sense of wit and humor when those are called for, as in Général Lavine – excentric…By any measure, these are neatly tied-up performances.” Mark J. Estren, InfoDad, June 2018

 

“…pianist Terry Lynn Hudson makes a strong argument for these pieces. She doesn’t try to turn them into anything more exciting than what they are, but through her deep feeling for them and her understated virtuosity she shows how Debussy’s musical impressionism can be deeply engaging on its own terms. Her playing makes me feel like I need to explore further, and she’s the first pianist to achieve that.”

Rick Anderson, CD Hotlist, June 2018

 

“[Terry Lynn Hudson] has a special affinity for the piano music of Claude Debussy, whom she reveres as one who constantly endeavored to expand the capabilities of the instrument. Seen in this light, the two books of Preludes were a “natural” for this artist…Armed with a very impressive arsenal of technical skills, including an exceptional left hand, Terry Lynn Hudson obviously relishes her exploration of both the tonal and the descriptive riches of the Preludes.” Phil Muse, Audio Society of Atlanta, March 2018