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)
‘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.
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?
Debussy’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (81–90)
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.
12 Etudes for Piano, Book II: No. 11, Etude for Combined ArpeggiosClaude Debussy
Twelve Études for Piano is a collection of piano studies composed by Claude Debussy in his later years.
It is divided into two books: the first focuses on finger flexibility and technique, while the second emphasizes the exploration of sonority and rhythm.
The Étude for Combined Arpeggios is included in the second book.
Amid its shimmering character, arpeggios featuring Debussy’s characteristically blurred harmonic progressions provide accents, creating a beautiful work that evokes a mysterious feeling, as if one has wandered into the world of a painting.
Clair de Lune, No. 3 from Suite bergamasqueClaude Debussy
Claude Debussy was a French composer and pianist who was active from the late 19th to the early 20th century.
When people think of Debussy, Clair de Lune is especially famous.
This piece is actually the third movement of the Suite bergamasque.
True to its title, listening to it conjures up images of beautiful moonlight.
What kind of moonlight do you see? It feels like a work that paints a picture through music.
Debussy’s charm also lies in his unique compositional approach and his freedom in writing music.
Pieces like Arabesque and Reverie are also popular.
All of these works feature delicate, flowing melodies that are truly beautiful.
They’re beloved numbers at piano recitals as well.
Slower than LentoClaude Debussy
Although it has a relaxed tempo, the piece “La plus que lente” is filled with playful phrases throughout, giving it a sense of optimism.
It is said to have been written in between Debussy’s larger projects—such as operas and orchestral works—and to reflect his interest in Gypsy music.
Many waltzes have been brought into the world by famous composers, and this “La plus que lente” is an equally varied and exceptionally beautiful work.
If you’re thinking, “I want to play one of Debussy’s brighter pieces!” why not give it a try?