Debussy's Sunken Cathedral: Composer's intention or "standard" convention?

[pianoplayer1224]

In Debussy’s Sunken Cathedral, the Dover edition indicates that the time signature is 6/4=3/2 and has a footnote indicating that measures 7-12 and 22-83 were played in double time on Debussy’s own piano roll recording.
Interestingly though, other editions such as the esteemed Durand do not have this indication. Similarly, a number of pianist renowned for their Debussy interpretations do not play those measures in double time. 
Personally, I prefer playing the passages in double time as otherwise I find that the tempo seems to drag. However I am questioning this as I am wondering for an examination or audition what would be more appropriate; to follow the composer’s own intentions or the supposedly standard convention?
I would be glad to hear any opinions on this.

[lukediv]

hi,

I played this piece for a competition and my exam last year. i also have the dover edition which says to play the part we are talking about in double time. on both those occasions nothing was said to me regarding the appropriateness of playing those bars in double time and i ended up doing pretty good in both so it must be ok to do so:)

hope that helps.

[pianoplayer1224]

Thanks a lot.
Does anyone with a different edition have another opinion or thought about this? I would love to hear from you.

[le_poete_mourant]

This is why I'm glad we have no recordings of Beethoven playing the piano... Just because Debussy did this in his recording doesn't mean it is right or wrong. It may work fine for you or it may not. Perhaps there are other ways to explore moving the pace forwards a little bit without going all the way to double time. I notice that in measure 22 there is the note "Augmentez progressivement (sans presser)"  -- to me this would indicate to move move forwards but not too much and I think that note might run contrary to the idea of double timing it. Ultimately it's what works for you as a musician, and if your ear thinks it work, go with it I guess.

[thorn]

I think you should do what works best for you. If you don't like the way Debussy plays it, find another way. If you like bits, merge them in.

I have the Debussy plays Debussy and in the sleeve notes it suggests that Debussy was only pleased with how La soiree dans Grenade and La danse de Puck turned out. Also, he may have sped parts up to that extent because he was aware of the limited recording time available in those early days.

To be honest, it's always a treat to hear a composer play their own works, but I personally wouldn't rely too heavily on them in my own interpretations.

Like I said though, it's your call. The key is to do whatever you choose with conviction and confidence so they know that agree or disagree, you are playing it exactly how you mean to.