Claude Debussy (1862-1918): "La danse de Puck"

[FindingNemoRox]

I could say that I know every word you guys are talking about, but I honestly have no idea....(rolls? pitches?)

BUT,

I like this song. It's pretty.

:P

[ASirensSoliloquy]

Beautiful.

[BohemianRelapse]

Beautiful!

[ipmoic]

Thank you so much d60944 for clarifying the ability to speed up piano rolls without changing pitch. I still don't understand how it's done but I'm fairly mechanically challenged.

I adore these piano rolls. There is so much of his personality and musical intention that comes through regardless of the far from perfect medium.

[ipmoic]

Obviously the speed is correct because the pitches are! Debussy's playing is full of spirit and color. Nothing languid or overly self-indulgent.

[d60944]

No - it is possible to play a piano roll back at any speed you like, without altering the pitches. However, these Debussy rolls seem to be quite accurate in their specified speeds in general, and there is no real reason to worry about the tempo being used here.

[cynic150]

The speed sounds excessive, but if true, this is phenominal technique by any standards! Great!

[FrankBo26]

I've always loved Claude's piano works. However, I never heard them played by Debussy himself until today. Thanks to whoever uploaded these gems to YouTube. Debussy's interpretations of his own works are priceless. The pieces are so much more beautiful (or playful or dramatic) when the composer himself plays them. I'm loving this.

[alekrussote]

Exceptionnal !

[angile7]

it does sound like fairy music

[NancyGorman]

=D did you read that in Midnight?

[kirstyasher2]

love that book :)

[NancyGorman]

Me too X}

[angile7]

@NancyGorman Yep! :D

[pianocommy]

This is the first time I've heard Debussy play. I'd been told that he was an "interesting, but not particularly good pianist". This recording confirms what I suspected:Debussy profound understanding of what the piano could do came from being a great pianist himself!

[marcxopoco]

A beautiful atmosphere comes through.

Wonderful use of the pedal, use of dynamics, and constant small changes of momentum based on what each phrase is doing.

Notice the variety of tonal quality (sonority, loudness-softness) he can get on single melodic notes, depending on what he wants to do at any moment.

[Nexodaedalus]

I think it's phenomenal that we have access to such historical treasures. It's almost as good as having the composer standing right in front of you.