*Rare* Debussy ~ Etude retrouvee ~ Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Perfromed here by the virtuoso Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Achille-Claude Debussy's 'Etude retrouvee' was written by the great composer in 1915 but somehow was lost amongst the genius' papers after his passing in 1918.

The piece, whose title means "found etude" seems to have been a possible 13th Etude (Debussy composed and published 2 Books of Etudes each containing 6 pieces) which Debussy never saw realized in the form of publication. The sheet music, discovered in 1977, was included amongst, and titled, 'Pour les arpeges composes' (which led to theinitial confusion as this was the title of the 5th etude from Book 2 of Etudes). The piece was assumed to be sketches for the completed etude until someone sat down and read the work, realized that it was something different altogether and, obviously, something very special; a lost Debussy piece!

Being headed "Pour les Arpeges composes", the piece had always been assumed to contain sketches for the familiar Etude of the same name, perhaps as work-ups or experiments.

Upon closer examination the manuscript turned out to be quite different a piece. It became clear that Debussy had worked in 1915 on two distinct versions of "Pour les Arpeges composes", finally choosing one and keeping the other among his papers, perhaps with a view to later use. The collapse of his health in 1916 and his tragic, young death in 1918 putting a stop to further plans.

This rediscovered draft needed only the completion of some partly sketched figurations, a few clefs and key signatures, in order to be playable. While Debussy would undoubtedly have refined it further, the version that survives still provides a fascinating glimpse into his compositional style, as well as a beautiful Etude in its own right.

It turns out that the piece could also fit as a useful intermezzo between Debussy's two existing books of Etudes since Book 2 starts in the same tempo as Book 1 ends. Although the two books were not composed to be performed together it is interesting to listen and wonder if, perhaps, Debussy toyed with the idea of combining the books with this piece as the would-be tie that binds.

We'll never know, of course, but can be thankful that this gem was unearthed nonetheless...

Enjoy!

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[morinoroba]

@Noshirm Hmm...magical :-D !

[Noshirm]

@suzettegm May your new year be blessed, mijn Keukie. (:-D)

[suzettegm]

@Noshirm I think so Noshie......thanks.....

[suzettegm]

@Noshirm I think so Noshie......thanks.....

[Noshirm]

Marvelous!

[looney1023]

@vcupiano. A reaally good version van be purchused on amazon under the name etude retrouvee which includes the original manuscript as wall as performance notes, history, and the printed version salvaged from the manuscript. Be warned though, this is very difficult!!!

[vcupiano]

Does the music exist for this? If so, where can It be found?

[marioguidoscappucci]

Fantastic! Thank you.

[Polygor2]

Great to be able to add to my collection. Thanks.

[lamazopa21]

Sheer perfection!