Pianist Lucas Debargue has released Gershwin Variations, a double album that marks a significant shift in his artistic trajectory. The album, released on September 18 by Sony Classical, includes a personal interpretation of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, the Concerto in F, and three preludes, recorded with the Orchestre de Paris conducted by Elim Chan at the Philharmonie de Paris. The second disc features Debargue's own compositions, based on twelve themes from Gershwin, including a cycle of virtuoso études and twenty variations of "Summertime" in different musical styles such as Nocturne, Fugue, Tango, and Bossa Nova. Debargue, who is 35 years old and a native of Paris raised in the Compiegne area, has previously released notable works such as his Scarlatti Sonatas and complete works for piano by Gabriel Fauré. However, with Gershwin Variations, he aims to assert himself not only as an interpreter but also as a composer and improviser. During an interview with Franceinfo Culture on the eve of a concert at the Bal Blomet, Debargue stated that this album is a turning point in his career, where he officially presents his compositions and explores the confluence of classical and jazz aesthetics. He mentioned that he discovered Gershwin through various sources, including film excerpts, recordings by Hélène Grimaud and David Zinman, and jazz influences such as Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, and Duke Ellington. Debargue emphasized the importance of approaching Gershwin's music with a jazz spirit, noting that jazz musicians typically reinvent scores rather than playing them as written. He discussed the role of improvisation in his album, stating that while there are some improvised passages, the essential parts are written. He also highlighted the multicultural aspect of America as expressed through Gershwin's music, contrasting it with current nationalist sentiments. Debargue expressed his intention to continue exploring personal artistic expression in future projects, rejecting the idea of simply archiving existing repertoire. He mentioned his previous recording of Fauré's complete works on a uniquely constructed piano, indicating a preference for innovative approaches in his music.