Debussy’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
We introduce the works of Claude Debussy, a composer who represents France.
You can immerse yourself in the world of Impressionist music, which evokes abstract images of landscapes and people, through pieces such as Clair de Lune, Rêverie, and The Girl with the Flaxen Hair.
While he is often associated with piano and orchestral compositions, there are also many vocal works in which Debussy’s youthful talent shines—such as Nuit d’étoiles—composed when he was just 18.
Let yourself be captivated for a while by the beautiful melodies crafted by this great master of modern French music.
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Debussy’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (71–80)
Romantic WaltzClaude Debussy
This is a work by the French composer Claude Debussy.
Debussy composed using free harmony that was not bound by functional harmony, and he was one of the most influential composers from the late 19th to the early 20th century.
This piece, “Valse romantique,” was composed in 1890 and is said to show a strong influence from Chopin.
Before entering the Paris Conservatoire, Debussy studied with Madame Mauté de Fleurville, a pupil of Chopin, which may have something to do with this connection.
Two Arabesques No. 2Claude Debussy
Claude Debussy wrote two Arabesques in his lifetime.
Of these, the Arabesque No.
2 is performed less frequently than the first, yet it is a light, beautiful piece that is very popular among piano learners.
The term “arabesque” refers to the Arabic-style ornamental patterns that were fashionable at the time.
The dazzling, triplet-rich melodic lines may be meant to evoke those delicate, Arabic-inspired motifs composed of interlacing curves.
When you play it, try not to focus only on the fine movement of the notes, but also savor the beauty of the shifting harmonies.
‘Estampes’ No. 3 ‘Jardins sous la pluie’Claude Debussy
Claude Debussy’s piece “Jardins sous la pluie” (No.
3 from “Estampes”) is themed around rain falling on a garden in his homeland.
Debussy is highly popular in Japan for his rich expressiveness, and he is known for many piano works that are as fantastical as paintings.
This piece also reflects those hallmark Debussy traits.
Measures 43–44 are the most difficult: although the lowest notes in the left hand carry the main theme, the writing makes them very hard to bring out.
Pay careful attention to touch control and practice with a focus on the clarity and evenness of each note.
Debussy’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (81–90)
Clair de Lune, the third piece of the Suite bergamasqueClaude Debussy
The Suite bergamasque consists of four pieces: Prelude, Menuet, Clair de Lune, and Passepied, with the third piece, Clair de Lune, being one of the most famous.
It is a nocturne performed mostly pianissimo, characterized by a gentle and wistful atmosphere.
It has been widely beloved, including in Stokowski’s orchestral arrangement and through its use in Disney films.
“Fireworks,” No. 12 from Préludes, Book IIClaude Debussy
Many people associate summer with fireworks, but are you familiar with any classical pieces themed around fireworks? One such work is Fireworks (Feux d’artifice), included in Book II of the Préludes for piano by the renowned French composer Claude Debussy.
This piece depicts the scenes of July 14, Bastille Day, a date of great importance to the French.
With quotations from the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, the music strongly conveys a sense of pride in being French.
It is a highly virtuosic piano work that brilliantly captures the spectacle of dazzling fireworks.
If you’re interested in French culture and history, why not give it a listen on July 14?
Andante con motoClaude Debussy
Music can easily change a person’s mood.
When your mood shifts, your senses and even your physical condition can change as well.
If you’re tired of Japan’s stifling summer, why not cool off with some music? Debussy’s famous piece “Andante con moto” is widely used in commercials and TV programs in Japan.
Its gentle, refreshing tone evokes the fleeting moments when a cool breeze brushes through the summer heat.
It’s also perfect as background music for sleep, so if summer makes it hard for you to rest comfortably, this is a must-try.
Cello Sonata in D minorClaude Debussy
It is Claude Debussy’s Cello Sonata in D minor.
Composed in 1915, the sonata consists of three movements: I.
Prologue, II.
Sérénade, and III.
Finale.
The transition from the second to the third movement is attacca.
Although the performance time is short, it makes full use of advanced cello techniques and is an extremely difficult work.