Lower difficulty: Not as hard as it sounds!? Debussy’s piano pieces
Claude Debussy, the French composer who left unforgettable works with a composition style that defied traditional forms and emphasized free, resonant sound.
Debussy’s music is often seen as intimidating because of its complex harmonies, but in fact, there are pieces with relatively low difficulty that are quite approachable even for beginner pianists!
In this article, we’ll introduce piano works that allow you to fully savor Debussy’s unique world while being comparatively easier to play.
“If Debussy’s pieces are beautiful, it still feels too early for me to try…” If that’s what you’ve been thinking, you might be surprised at how smoothly you can actually play some of them!
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[Beginner-friendly] Not as hard as it sounds!? Debussy’s piano pieces (21–30)
Forgotten Images: No. 2, “Memories of the Louvre”Claude Debussy
Comprising three pieces, “Images oubliées” was published roughly 55 years after the death of Claude Debussy.
The second piece, “Souvenir du Louvre,” is a very beautiful work that combines gravity and elegance.
The instruction, “with the feeling of a slightly time-worn portrait commemorating a memory of the Louvre,” indicates that the piece evokes an artwork whose sense of grandeur deepens over time.
It would be wonderful to perform it while savoring the many expressions packed into the piece—its delicacy, brilliance, and melancholy.
Preludes, Book II, No. 6: “General Lavine — eccentric”Claude Debussy
Among Claude Debussy’s works, this piece radiates a quirky charm.
Depicting on the piano the comical movements of the American clown Edward LaVine, it is distinguished by its sprightly duple meter.
Beginning with a siren-like sound and built around recurring cakewalk rhythms, the structure makes you feel as though you’re witnessing LaVine’s eccentric performance in person.
While savoring Debussy’s characteristic harmonic shifts, you can immerse yourself in a world brimming with humor.
Published in 1913 as part of the Préludes, Book II, this work employs novel sonic effects and techniques, epitomizing the innovative spirit of Debussy’s music.
It’s a perfect recommendation for those who seek a playful streak in classical music.
Children’s Corner No. 2: Lullaby of the ElephantClaude Debussy
The second piece of Claude Debussy’s suite Children’s Corner, which he dedicated to his beloved daughter Emma, is “The Elephant’s Lullaby.” The “elephant” here refers to Emma’s favorite stuffed toy.
It’s a charming depiction of how, while singing a lullaby to the stuffed animal, Emma herself grows sleepy.
As you play its mysterious, exotic-sounding melody, the performer might start feeling drowsy too! Every now and then, why not take your time and savor piano playing with a gentle piece like this?
Lullaby of a HeroClaude Debussy
Lullaby for a Hero leaves an impressive, weighty atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the glamorous image the word “hero” often carries.
The work was created when Claude Debussy received a commission to compose a piece honoring the King of Belgium and the soldiers who resisted the German army during World War I.
Following the piano version, he also composed an orchestral version.
The dense, massive sonorities are certainly a perfect match for the orchestra! When playing it on the piano, perform with great gravity—unhurried and generously paced.
In conclusion
The works of Claude Debussy, a leading figure of French Impressionist music known as the “painter of the piano,” often feature melodies that are more familiar to the ear—reminiscent of film scores or game field BGM—rather than the neatly stacked chords like the classic triad of C–E–G found in traditional classical music.
At the same time, his music frequently includes dissonances and clashing tones, with complex layers that can make the score look daunting at first glance, so it may take a bit of time to read at the beginning.
However, once you get the hang of it, there’s a mysterious charm that draws you in, making you think, “I want to play it even more beautifully!” In this article, we introduce some of his relatively approachable pieces along with the sheet music.
Let’s read the scores carefully and perform this picture-like music together.
We hope this becomes an opportunity for you to fall even more in love with Debussy’s music.