Claude Debussy (1862-1918): "Minstrels"

The composer Claude Debussy needs little introduction. As a pianist, he was noted for his avoidance of the crisp, dry and articulated style which typified French pianism of the nineteenth century. His style of playing was simple, highly tone-conscious and completely uncluttered by over-expressive angst.

This piece is number twelve (the last) in the first book of Préludes. The recording is a piano roll recording made by Debussy for Welte in 1913 (just three years after the work was composed). The piano rolls for Welte are amongst the most accurate we have, conveying the original performed dynamics, attack and pedalling rather faithfully, and when a good roll is played on a properly conditioned piano, the problems of dubious rhythmic bumpiness which infect many roll playbacks can vanish. This rendition seems as fine as we could hope for.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Claude
• Debussy
• piano
• recording
• classical
• Minstrels
• Préludes
• Book
• no.12

[cynic150]

This does sound rather too fast. Maybe the mechanical piano was set at too high a tempo for this recording. What guide is there for the tempo at which it was originally recorded? The style is excellent.

[d60944]

A comparison with the "Golliwog's Cakewalk" roll also recorded by Debussy shows the speed to be similarly faster-than-expected, and also pulled about with rubato all overt he place. The rolls were a fairly standard speed. Though, yes, some piano rolls are clearly recorded at an incorrect speed. I am not sure this one need be suspected though.

[superbemaison]

What a velvet tone!!!!

Superb!!!!!

[d60944]

Well, tone-quality is about the main shortcoming of piano rolls. They really don't convey the tone quality of a "real" performance. What you do get is often a very pleasant, though sometimes bland tone.

[HalSamuel]

Debussy never seemed to intend his music to have this 'pattering music of the angels' kind, reverby sound that EVERY modern Debussy recording seems to think is mandatory. Is it just me, or does this recording remind you of Thelonious Monk? How strange.

[paunchyjoe]

whoaaa this sounds like minstrels on crack! way too fast.

[JuliaTheFirst]

WAY too fast.

[lolage116]

@Alexknobsob yes

[lolage116]

im learning this piece at the moment and I dont know what 'Moquer' means. If someone could help me, I would be very greatful. Nice playing!!

[hpsapphire915]

Nice! :D

[Alexknobsob]

@cynic150

No.

[cymondo]

@cynic150 The time signature and key are always written at the beginning of any music

[ktm64]

I swear i thought Thelonious had just hopped on the piano and started playing classical music. In fact, it may have even sounded like something Thelonious may have written. It's amazing everytime i see how far ahead of his time Debussy was.

[ivoryconsort]

Wow- the similarity to Mr. T. Monk struck instanly as i began to listen; it is NOT just you. the playfulness, the change of mood and touch (heavyhandedness) and harmonic style (pentatonic), are all fabulous and distinct prequels to the music and playing of Monk. But in any case, bravo Claude!!

[nostalgiacreep]

good call re the reverb. standard approach to recording classical music it seems, but yeah, it is a bit poncey! doesn't remind me of monk much, but it does have a sort of mischievious feel as you might find in jazz.

debussy is my absolute fave composer :D