The subtle, elusive quality of debussys twentyfour preludes is captured perfectly by pianist paul jacobs, who plays them with a tolling, belllike sound. Claude debussy s painterly preludes the subtle, elusive quality of debussy s twentyfour preludes is captured perfectly by pianist paul jacobs, who plays them with a tolling, belllike sound. Claude debussy composed the second book of preludes during 1910 12. Orchestral reimaginings of debussys piano pieces which are entertaining, intriguing and very satisfying. The first book was composed between 1901 and 1905, and the second book was composed in 1907. I guessed it was a bosendorfer, and apparently it was. The paradox is that debussy succeeded in a series of piano works starting with estampes in 1903 and culminating in the two books of preludes in 1910 and 1912 respectively in creating what can only be called an.
Claude debussys preludes are 24 pieces for solo piano, divided into two books of 12 preludes each. Your browser does not currently recognize any of the video formats. A descriptive analysis of the preludes book 1 of claude debussy. Also recorded here is the second book of preludes, in a poetic and evocative performance. Lorsque au soleil couchant les rivieres sont roses. You get two discs for the price of one here, but the discs are only about 42 and 43 minutes worth. Debussy considered both impressionism and symbolism terms of abuse. A new album from marcandre hamelin is always cause for celebration. Ilya itin, piano this video was recorded at the golandsky institute international piano festival at. They were published in two booksseries, each consisting of three pieces. The performances tell it like it is or almost, for not all debussys very demanding contrasts of dynamics are observed, and i imagine collard has small hands, though she makes splitting big stretches sound quite acceptable. Unlike some notable collections of preludes from prior times, such as chopins op. Canope preludes, book ii, 19 playing debussys piano works.
Although the composer did not think the preludes should be performed as a cycle, book two is perfectly symmetrical with two showpieces at the start and end on the twelve pieces. Helpful english translations of french terms as well as debussy s performance. Claude debussy composed his two books of preludes during a remarkably brief periodthe first, between december 1909 and february 1910. Another perspective on the shape of this piece occurs to me. Ilya itin, piano this video was recorded at the golandsky institute international piano festival at princeton university. This newlyrendered adaptation is a drastically manipulated synthfont derivation from a conventional midi transcription by jeruen c. Debussys colouristic masterpiece, a bewitching compendium of scents, colours and sounds. Debussy played nos 1, 2, 10 and 11 at a concert on 5 may and we know that all of them, apart possibly from no 7, were heard in paris over the next ten months.
Debussy may have contributed the last important evolution to the prelude. Claude debussy had been toying with the idea of writing a book of preludes for some time, and once he began, the process was a speedy one with his first volume completed within two months. The purpose of this thesis is to discuss and give a descriptive analysis of twelve of the twentyfour preludes written by claude debussy. Debussy preludes, bk 2 by claude debussy, paperback. These works are distinct from debussy s images pour orchestre. The playing is technically very good, there is lots of nice phrasing, and the piano sound is peerless. Chandos records is one of the worlds premier classical music record companies, best known for its ground breaking search for neglected musical gems.
The music expresses a vast repertoire of emotions, colors and moods. Oct 31, 2006 recorded on 10312006, uploaded on 01262009. See ning hui esplanade recital studio, singapore the tempest a piano recital supported by steinway gallery singapore born in singapore. I like steinway for rachmaninoff, but it is a bit gruff for debussy. Images usually pronounced in french is a suite of six compositions for solo piano by claude debussy. This significant compilation of 12 preludes represents debussy s mature writing style and is filled with a great diversity of compositional styles. As others have suggested, this may be the holy grail for debussy prelude lovers. Here in his first debussy recording for hyperion he presents the two books of images. The most important early example of the prelude being exemplified in the forty eight preludes and fugues of books i and ii of the well tempered clavier of bach, where the prelude served to establish the tonal center of the fugue that followed it. Alexander melnikov performs from book 2 prelude nr 7. This experimental arrangement of debussy s original composition was created by ed chang. Preludes books 1 and 2 paperback april 1, 1999 by claude debussy composer 4. Debussy preludes, book 1 by claude debussy 18621918.
Prelude to debussy is a documentary about the music of claude debussy, directed by the american pianist ophra yerushalmi. Some pedaling marks at the bottom if these pages were cut off. This paper also includes a brief history of preludes as well as possible influences upon debussy and his compositions. Dates for book ii are harder to come by, but the volume was published almost exactly three years after the first, on 19 april 19. Jul 05, 2011 pianist imogen c ooper painted evocative sound pictures in a bbc radio 3 lunchtime recital featuring music by debussy, beethoven and chopin. Sep 29, 2006 debussy used his experience of gamelan music to inspire a new way of thinking about music and sound. Module 5 analysis of piano repertoire lessons 1 and 2 debussy preludes the student must look for the book the piano works of claude debsusy, by e.
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