Michelangeli - Debussy - Des pas sur la neige

[gkollias14]

This is an extraordinary performance, first class, cannot be surpassed by any pianist today, but you cannot say that it is by far the best. Listen to Richter and Gieseking and you will be really confused. With what you said.

[milenasoundseasy]

yes. it IS great interpretation of Debussy.

[tortue]

still like Gieseking the best

[kontrapunkti]

I think Michelangeli is The Best Debussy interpreter

[cerysdcat]

interesting and evocative. glad to have heard this!

[andilj]

I have some of his recordings of Chopin and love them, but clearly this piece isn't his strong suit. Notes don't speak together and the voicing is not that great.

[Hellerhans2]

Giorgi Latsabidze performs Debussy much better!!!

[Barbapippo]

This film alwys reminds me of that frightening Poe's tale, "The fall of the house of Usher"....

[nitzia123]

Solo espero que cada vez mas y mas gente interprete estas obras para que el legado de los maestros no se vea opacado por el olvido.

[Lickthecloth]

Ahhh, behold, the death of tonality.

[vernymax]

guess the audio engineer was out to lunch

[sarofedeleebuona]

Debussy is a romantic, no way he should be play as if it can be broken. Michelangeli plays it wonderfuly, slower than others. He gives you time to see the landscape, he paints the hole picture for you. Bravissimo.

[dconn445]

@sarofedeleebuona Ok I love Michelangeli and his Debussy, but firstly Debussy is NOT romantic. He Is like the quintessence of Impressionism. thats like calling Beethoven baroque. Have you ever even seen or heard La cathédrale engloutie that thing kinda has a "C" like a tonal center, and fly around in different modes and scales.

[Edenhyde246]

prefer the cortot version, only he was a nazi so bleh

[jakubkasperski]

Thanks. It sounds amazing. Like a fresh air after summer rain.

[Steinwaytoday]

some people here are criticising this performance without much taste for Debussy's music... you think it's wrong because he plays it "loud" or "harsh"? Most of the time people think Debussy should be played like a nebulous mass of sound, always taking care that there is absolutely no percussive sound... why? Playing that way doesn't allow for much variety in color and in line organization. I think this performance is by far the best in youtube.

[eurekabach]

This IS Debussy (I'm not saying that Michelangeli plays it better than anyone)

My favorite preludes are La Fille Aux Cheveux de Lin, La Cathedrale Engloutie, Danseuse de Delphes and Des Pas Sur La Neige

[autr727]

I prefer the Coccolinis versión... by far

[richclayderman]

I'm in heaven with this music

[nangel9]

Really good :) So calming... I only don't like the position of his right hand at the end-unnecessary high

[angelooooooos]

:) pity that the last d minor cord was hitten in p.. The rest is just fabulous (amazing touch and how he feels the separation btwn all phrases.. ) ! thanks for the video.

[mukeshcuster]

@angelooooooos yeh it was a bit loud

[felafelsyum]

are you kidding you want winter to be from hearing this song?? this song says to me winter sux, boo hoooooo, spending all your days inside instead of the frozen park

[Jewdai]

Debussy was anti-romantic. He did not want ANY emotion for his pieces. "There is no theory. You merely should listen. Pleasure is law"

[angelooooooos]

well that s half true if u look at the original score u ll see written in the begining : VI, "triste et lent" (so he asks the emotion to be the tempo as a first law), then the melody in the RH : expressif et douloureux (emotions once more) ect.. and actually Debussy is so hard to play cause u must filter ur emotions (wich are weak and irregular cause human ; btw, irregular means "against the law") through a perfect touch but how can u do that if he asks u to be weak with such terrible feelings?

[magic92man]

not at all.. Debussy was an incurable romantic.

he wrote his peaces in such a way as to be played with emotion. so that each performer would be able to play in his own way

[N8wil09]

@magic92man no he was an impressionist yo

[edmundtyrone]

@Jewdai : Umm, you're conflating several different ideas here. Debussy is often CLASSIFIED as anti-Romantic because of opposing the overblown sound of that period (despite initially being drawn to Wagner's chromaticism), but subtley of emotion is still emotion. There are many calls for emotion in this score. Also, your quote is referring to the unnecessary contraints of the theoretical formalisms practiced at the Paris Conservatory, which he felt prevented him from writing as he truly wished.

[11000001100000]

Love the man-belt!

[jonas30101990]

i just wrote an exam about this piece. listening to it calmed me down thogh i was very excited..

[AtheistInChurch]

Okay, so just now someone asked me if I would play this piece at their wedding. Could someone give me some input on how hard it is/how long it would take to learn? I'm quite a good player, not brilliant, but I sightread well. The hardest piece I've currently played is Maleguena, which I play pretty well. Also, I'm having my wisdom teeth out the day before the wedding. Will I be able to actually play?

[LeonidasBasileus]

Not a chance with the wisdom teeth. It would be difficult to get the musicality across being in the pain that you'll be.

[jdaesaorn2012]

it's good that you asked us and not yahooanswers. they're so unpredicatble with their solutions.

[henridecourcelle]

vous sentez tous des pieds.

[Fuglebolle]

I'm usually a big fan of Michelangeli's interpretation of Debussy, but this performance really diappointed me. It's like Michelangeli has got no understanding of this piece at all. Of course, it might be me who doesn't understand Michelangeli's understanding of the piece. But, well, I really feel I'm on Debussy's wavelenght in the way I read and play it.

Anyone else feel this way?

[mynameisandycostello]

I somewhat agree... The attacks are two well articulated... I don't get that sad wintry warmth that I love about this piece. Of course, this may just be the fault of the recording. I couldn't fairly judge his tone unless I was in the room with him when he was playing.

[exackerly]

too slow

[autr727]

exactly, this should be a little bit faster.

[znanto]

if anything it's too fast, I've heard Richter play this much slower, and the result is.. wow

[Villiago]

My Dear Sir

I have been a classical musician for 40 years and have this piece of advice for you: Mediocrity knows nothing better than itself. Only a mediocre mind would criticise another artist.

[daveyflavey]

only an arrogant artist would throw away anyones opinion

[angelooooooos]

@Villiago ...

[nostradamusguy]

I felt that way with his performance of "La Cathédrale Engloutie". It felt more expressionless than I'm used to. However, I still loved this interpretation. This piece just makes me yearn for winter to be here. I can just feel the snow falling through the delicacy of the piece.

[dmcII]

Agreed (except for the part about yearning for winter !). I especially love how he plays the final chord. Beautiful !

[marpied]

He has fabulous hands! He's really THE BEST.

[suzettegm]

magic

[Nailai88]

asombroso!

[istvanbracz]

Thanks for posting this vid. I saw a bootleg version of it in Europe years ago (my teacher had it), and it has been on my mind ever since. I deeply love his playing. THANK YOU!!!!!

[agemoti]

ギターにアレンジできないか模索中。邦楽に共通するスピリットを­持つ曲。ヨーロッパの雪ではなくアジアのそれも、太郎と次郎の住­む故郷の雪。

[arredifestivi]

GENIALE

[pennymusicMAma]

REPLY: kingstravinsky refers to a

Professional Lady Pianist of 50 yrs., whose forte is Debussy,as "DUDE"& berates all who have Earned their Masters&Doctorate Degrees in Piano. My life has been MUSIC & he lectures me w/o any serious study of Piano, nor is his forte Debussy???He's shown what a FOOL he is. Why do you allow this? I just want to Listen to the Beautiful Music of Debussy Performance videos & others. Disgraceful Harrasser/Abusive to All PROFESSIONAL PIANISTS.

[bonecracker23]

"Professional Lady Pianist of 50 yrs., whose forte is Debussy,as "DUDE"& berates all who have Earned their Masters&Doctorate Degrees in Piano."

rofl, post videos then ! Degrees really don't mean much...I know lame professionals and incredible amateurs...What counts is what we hear, it's not the piece of paper you hang proudly on your wall^^

[pennymusicMAma]

REPLY TO Bonecracker 23: I am not a "Dude".

& respect other Music Professionals. It takes much Talent & hard work to EARN a Masters Degree. I am currently on hiatus due

to physical,ruptured discs,if you must know. I HAVE HAD AN EXTREMELY Successful career in

Piano & Vocal Performance. I memorize easily & have performed in many venues, as

well as NY. You are stupid to critize me. My life has been MUSIC - try the 3 staffs of some of Debussy's Piano Compositions that

I mastered.

[bonecracker23]

I believe what you say and I guess you play much better than me, but that's not the point.

I respect Music Professionals when they deserve to be respected...You keep bragging on how you're a fantastic musician, you're megalomaniac with your degrees etc. What I disrepect most is your lack of humility, the real great musicians learn to be humble, your obviously not humble,  maybe your not so great...Anyway, have a nice day and take care of your health so you can play again as soon as possible^^

[pennymusicMAma]

REPlY: 'king'. This is is a PIANO , not vocal. Go to his Vocal Repertoire,if you ARE referring to his music for voice. "BEAU SOIR."

(Check your Wikepedia,if you have no other knowledge of Debussy.)

[pennymusicMAma]

kingstravinsky101: CEASE & DESIST Young IGNORANT TROUBLEMAKER. Please LISTEN to

Sublime Music of DEBUSSY,& STUDY!I have 50 years of Esperience & a 23 yr.young berates Masters of Piano, PHD'& my life's experience? Stop arguing-you've much to Learn definitely Enlightenment& Respect. All you want to do is Argue over beginners'Prelude.'Try Images II,-'expert',

LOL!!!!!!!! Now be quiet Listen to the Beauty of Music! Debussy is my FORTE, not yours.

[tothemax91]

Really, you wouldn't have guessed, i've heard nothing interesting about debussy in this whole rant, apart from "I have a master's degree" good for you, but it is what we hear is what counts. So tell me something I didn't know about debussy....

[pennymusicMAma]

REPLY TO tothemax91. At 23 are you an expert on Debussy or even musician? To Enlighten you:

I've already mentioned 3 staffs, challenging.

Debussy is MOST FAMOUS'IMPRESSIONIST'French

Composer/Pianist. Unique pedaling difficult to master. Music inspired by Images, uses

whole tone & pentatonic in compositions. This is just beginning....... Very challenging to

perform Debussy's Music, as he imagined in his

genious mind. Studied & performed long time.

NOT YOU! Hope you learned something.

[tothemax91]

The scales would explain the "chinese" essence to his music, such as the parallel fifths in particular with this piece. I knew about the 3 staves. Liszt has written a piece with 4! and i've yet to see anymore than that lol. The pedalling is very unique I agree, I would describe in shades, so a very deep shade of pedal would fully away from the string, with light airy shade being just touching the strings, but what I find a problem with this is sometimes when you're hovering over the strings.....

[tothemax91]

it comes out with a horrible twangy twingy sound. So that does take experience and a v. good understanding of your own piano. And yes, it is so hard to perform, I try but can't. I get too nervous and my hands shake so my touch goes potty. Please tell me more!, I've yet to be enlightened. Youtube say's I'm 23 but I'm 17 :)

[pennymusicMAma]

tothemax91, The uniquie Debussy Pedal touch

requires patience & work to make it right.

Do not give up. It is a real challenge & requires special touch of foot on pedals.

[pennymusicMAma]

REPLY to tothemax91, I am happy that you are trying to understand the music of Claude Debussy @ such a young age. Remember the Whole Tone Scale He used very much in his compositians, & pentatonic refers to Eastern

influence. The Pedaling is a True Challenge to

creat what this master of Music desired in

performance. the 3 staffs in "Images"... Also, other compositions:" L'apres midi dun faun" & "La Mer", 2 examples of symphonic compositions. So much more...- Penny

[tothemax91]

One fact from me, I know he loved bells. Which could explain where he got some his quite unusual but unique chords from, as he could hear every little tone coming off from a bell, which if true is really quite astonishing. For example La Cathédrale Engloutie, hearing the church bells in the distance from under water, and slowly gradually coming right over the top of them, and then fading back into the distance. I'd love to visit the french cathedral's at point to try hear some of these chords.

[Gottahavemusic449]

this has nothing to do with the discusion on this page; i was simply wondering-since your forte is in debussy, would you mind listening to "my" piece,clair de lune, and telling me what you think of it?

[experationdate]

O RLY?

[pennymusicMAma]

caprottimusic: Though I do truly enjoy Michelangeli & Gieseking as interpreters of

Debussy's Piano compositions,( also enjoy Cassabi) - I have a vinyl collection from

70's of complete piano works

of Debussy by Frankl - favorite. Know there probably is no video, however do you have any

of his Piano performances of Debussy?

Merci, Penny 'Beau Soir'

[pennymusicMAma]

REPLY kingstravinsky101: We do not need to to. We have All of his works. My son, who also has degree in Vocal Music, like his mother,& I, have sung many vocal compositions by Debussy, as well. I hope this clears things up for you. Thank You. Penny & Lukas

[pennymusicMAma]

REPLY kingstravinsky101: I am not a dude. No

IDIOT can earn a Master's degree,NOR a PHD.I obviously know Claude Achille Debussy composed vocal repertoire & symphonic music. I love all of his music. As a Pianist, his piano compositions are my forte.

Thank You very much.

[pennymusicMAma]

Reply:kingstravinsky, No, I forte in Debussy- Piano, as Professional Pianist- what is your problem? I have played his Music all my life, with Master's Degree in Piano Performance.

I don't have to to go to wikepedia! I Know his music, from study -through graduate school.

[pennymusicMAma]

REPLY dingstravinsky101: "songwriter"????? As one whose forte is Debussy, I do Know that his music is played MUCH! He was not only an exquisite

COMPOSER, however, also PIANIST! It takes a special 'touch' & pedalling to perform his music. Most cannot master it.

[deltoro720]

Which is harder to play - this or La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair)?

[RenatoHGT]

I play both, and I think the harder one is La fille.

[deltoro720]

this piece is so subtle and mysterious. I've heard it said that it's the most moving of all of Debussy's Preludes.

[pennymusicMAma]

Reply for deltoro720: Though Debussy's Preludes are complex & good for you playing them!, the beautiful, extremely difficult 3-staffed Images I & II, & Estampes/Pagodes & more... are challenging concert repertoire for piano. All of Debussy's music is beautiful. It evokes beautiful images & he did compose during the Impressionistic Period of Music. A great way to begin is with The

Preludes for piano. One does need to master the touch/articulation & unique pedaling he

used.

[laninn]

ce morceau est tout simplement magnifique ! autant parce que Debussy est incroyable dans son écriture, autant parce que Michelangeli l'interprete superbement bien.

[annaisjesus]

The recording I learn off is played by Walter Gieseking and he's faster.

Michelangeli made this song last almost 5 minutes

[clubsandwedge]

Debussy was such a fantastic composer. He wrote little. But the little he wrote... belle

[arredifestivi]

fantastico.

[Lillars]

Je repose ma question, à tout hasard. Trouve-t-on cette vidéo, où, comment, combien ?

[musichiere70]

Really fantastic, as all other A.B.Michelangeli's interpretations. Somebody knows the source of these Videos (Debussy Preludes)? I think they are not from the Italian Archives. Thanks. Federico (Italy)

[pennymusicMAma]

REpLY for musichiere70: I have the originals of the Piano scores from France, however the music is very expensive & fragile paper...One can order the musical recordings by

Michelangeli or Gieseking. Both Masters of interpreting Debussy. Videos...?

[Goluchowski]

lets not forget the brilliance in the composer here, debussy was so ahead of his time it still amazes me at his techniques and motifs used in his pieces so unbelievably impressive, its nice to see a pianist willing to give this music its well deserved justice

[bluesborn]

I couldn't agree more.Debussy's music is truly sublime.

[stravinskie3]

i agree as well

[stravinskie3]

i agree as well

[djvbb12]

Unless the comment was actually of a homosexual nature I disagree despite how rude it may have been

[lovesGenet]

It's so funny to hear kids .thay have read Michel is the greatest esp in Debussy and they all just talk aloud so we can assume they know something but few of u have any idea what Mich is doing - DO YOU? Exceptfor clean articulate playing ,voicing, some pedaling .We rarely even feel the idea do we kids? I 's say few of us have any idea.

[batlin]

Beautifully played... and a great piece too, emotive in a way similar to some of Scriabin's work.

[pacifik231]

Manfredk12 is right !

[bobthebeard]

simple the very, very best!

[bloodyIla]

E' impressionante.. Michelangeli è e sarà sempre il Maestro dei miei sogni..

[fighter79mi]

sublime

[arredifestivi]

fantastico

[pianistmusic]

genius...nothing more to say

[groovyang]

loads of emotion in this. very calm and gentle. beautiful. wish I could play it like this!

[clauskamp]

I love this one .. So beautiful

[leeyanchang]

vi...my favourite debussy

[Manfredk12]

wonderful... But Gieseking the best for Debussy

Thanks a lot

[Oreganoseasoner]

My Least favorite of Debussy.

[Comatose7890]

Triste et lent: melancholy and slow

"the rhythm should have the value sonorous of a landscape scene melancholy and slow"

[Alessandro1985]

Thank you