This is Debussy's original piano version of The Girl with the Flaxen Hair (La fille aux cheveux de lin) which dates from 1910. A beautiful impressio Show More...
This is Debussy's original piano version of The Girl with the Flaxen Hair (La fille aux cheveux de lin) which dates from 1910. A beautiful impressionist piece, the realisation lacks a little subtlety in terms of ebb and flow as far as the tempo is concerned. The best advice is that a performance should not be rushed. Debussy scores contain much score detail and the original French language has been retained in this aspect of the notation. Performers will need to read the music carefully as there are many accidentals in the score attributable to the modal shifts in the writing. Debussy was something of a rule breaker in his approach to composition concerned more with sound rather than process. The music editor suggests listening to several performances of the piece with different instrument combinations to understand the interpretative options that are possible. Interestingly with his scores, Debussy always put his titles at the end of his pieces in his prelude collections. Close
An arrangement for flute and piano of this beautiful impressionist piece which dates from 1910 sounding in the key of G. The score for the flute part Show More...
An arrangement for flute and piano of this beautiful impressionist piece which dates from 1910 sounding in the key of G. The score for the flute part is appended to the full score. The realisation lacks a little subtlety in terms of ebb and flow as far as the tempo is concerned. The best advice is that a performance should not be rushed. Debussy scores contain much score detail and the original French language has been retained in this aspect of the notation. Performers will need to read the music carefully as there are many accidentals in the score attributable to the modal shifts in the writing. Debussy was something of a rule breaker in his approach to composition concerned more with sound rather than process. I would suggest listening to several performances of the piece with different instrument combinations to understand the interpretative options that are possible. Interestingly in his scores, Debussy always put his titles at the end of his pieces in his prelude collections. Close
An arrangement for clarinet in Bb and piano of this beautiful impressionist piece which dates from 1910 sounding in the key of F. The score for the cl Show More...
An arrangement for clarinet in Bb and piano of this beautiful impressionist piece which dates from 1910 sounding in the key of F. The score for the clarinet part is appended to the full score and where the high range of the instrument is to be used at the close an alternative ending is given notated in the ossia staff. The realisation lacks a little subtlety in terms of ebb and flow as far as the tempo is concerned. The best advice is that a performance should not be rushed. Debussy scores contain much score detail and the original French language has been retained in this aspect of the notation. Performers will need to read the music carefully as there are many accidentals in the score attributable to the modal shifts in the writing. Debussy was something of a rule breaker in his approach to composition concerned more with sound rather than process. I would suggest listening to several performances of the piece with different instrument combinations to understand the interpretative options that are possible. Interestingly in his scores, Debussy always put his titles at the end of his scores in his prelude collections. Close
An arrangement for oboe and piano of this beautiful impressionist piece which dates from 1910 sounding in the key of G. The score for the oboe part is Show More...
An arrangement for oboe and piano of this beautiful impressionist piece which dates from 1910 sounding in the key of G. The score for the oboe part is appended to the full score and where the high range of the instrument is to be used an alternative ending is given notated in the ossia staff. The realisation lacks a little subtlety in terms of ebb and flow as far as the tempo is concerned. The best advice is that a performance should not be rushed. Debussy scores contain much score detail and the original French language has been retained in this aspect of the notation. Performers will need to read the music carefully as there are many accidentals in the score attributable to the modal shifts in the writing. Debussy was something of a rule breaker in his approach to composition concerned more with sound rather than process. I would suggest listening to several performances of the piece with different instrument combinations to understand the interpretative options that are possible. Interestingly Debussy in his scores always put his titles at the end of his pieces in his prelude collections. Close
An arrangement for soprano saxophone and piano of this beautiful impressionist piece which dates from 1910 sounding in the key of F. The score for the Show More...
An arrangement for soprano saxophone and piano of this beautiful impressionist piece which dates from 1910 sounding in the key of F. The score for the soprano saxophone part is appended to the full score and where the high range of the instrument is to be used an alternative ending is given notated in the ossia staff. The realisation lacks a little subtlety in terms of ebb and flow as far as the tempo is concerned. The best advice is that a performance should not be rushed. Debussy scores contain much score detail and the original French language has been retained in this aspect of the notation. Performers will need to read the music carefully as there are many accidentals in the score attributable to the modal shifts in the writing. Debussy was something of a rule breaker in his approach to composition concerned more with sound rather than process. I would suggest listening to several performances of the piece with different instrument combinations to understand the interpretative options that are possible. Interestingly in his scores, Debussy always put his titles at the end of his scores in his prelude collections. Close
The rhythmic template used in this movement is based on a familiar and popular dance rhythm of Debussy's time. Musical ideas need to be clearly articu Show More...
The rhythmic template used in this movement is based on a familiar and popular dance rhythm of Debussy's time. Musical ideas need to be clearly articulated and I would suggest little use of the sustaining pedal. Pianists should listen to a several versions of the piece to understand the interpretive possibilities and options that can be considered. The realisation is a little hurried and lacks a little of the give and take needed in a performance. There are also one or inconsistencies in respect to the interpretation of the dynamics. In Debussy's scores, there is always a great amount of score detail. Taken from his Children's Corner Suite all the movements are worth while exploring. Close
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite" is one of the composer's easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to thos Show More...
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite" is one of the composer's easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to those encountered in his more complex works. His music whilst often sounding simple is always challenging from a performance point of view and there are many aspects of performance to consider when playing his music - namely attention to rhythmic detail, tempo, dynamic range, use of pedals, interpretation of ornaments, amongst others. The piano suite was published in 1908 and is dedicated to the composer's daughter Chou-Chou and whilst the score detail is in French, the choice of English titles was chosen to possibly reflect that an English governess was employed to look after his child. The realisation which communicates the musical content satisfactorily does lack fluidity in repect to tempo. Debussy's sound world is individual and while he was not someone who followed musical convention, he, more than any other composer at the end of the 19th century pushed open the door to absorb the new musical influences of the 20th century. The music editor suggests istening to several performances of the work to gain an understanding of how best to approach a performance. Close
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite is one of the composers easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to those Show More...
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite is one of the composers easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to those encountered in his more complex works. His music whilst often sounding simple is always challenging from a performance point of view and there are many aspects of performance to consider when playing his music - namely attention to rhythmic detail, tempo, dynamic range, use of pedals, interpretation of ornaments, amongst others. This arrangement for flute with piano accompaniment is of the fifth movement of the piano suite published in 1908. The suite dedicated to the composer's daughter Chou-Chou has score detail in French and an English title which was possibly chosen to reflect that an English governess was employed to look after his child. The realisation which communicates the musical content satisfactorily does lack fluidity in repect to tempo and at times is a little rushed. Debussy's sound world is individual and while he was not someone who followed musical convention, he, more than any other composer at the end of the 19th century pushed open the door absorb new musical influences. The music editor suggests listening to several performances of the work to gain an understanding of how best to approach a performance. Close
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite is one of the composer's easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to those Show More...
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite is one of the composer's easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to those encountered in his more complex works. His music whilst often sounding simple is always challenging from a performance point of view and there are many aspects of performance to consider when playing his music - namely attention to rhythmic detail, tempo, dynamic range, use of pedals, interpretation of ornaments, amongst others. This arrangement for clarinet in A with piano accompaniment is of the fifth movement of the piano suite published in 1908. The suite dedicated to the composer's daughter Chou-Chou has score detail in French and an English title which was possibly chosen to reflect that an English governess was employed to look after his child. The realisation which communicates the musical content satisfactorily does lack fluidity in repect to tempo. Debussy's sound world is individual and while he was not someone who followed musical convention, he, more than any other composer at the end of the 19th century pushed open the door to absorb new musical influences.The music editor suggests listening to several performances of the work to gain an understanding of how best to approach a performance. Close
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite is one of the composer's easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to thos Show More...
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite is one of the composer's easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to those encountered in his more complex works. His music whilst often sounding simple is always challenging from a performance point of view and there are many aspects of performance to consider when playing his music - namely attention to rhythmic detail, tempo, dynamic range, use of pedals, interpretation of ornaments, amongst others. This arrangement for oboe with piano accompaniment is of the fifth movement of the piano suite published in 1908. The suite dedicated to the composer's daughter Chou-Chou has score detail in French and an English title which was possibly chosen to reflect that an English governess was employed to look after his child. The realisation which communicates the musical content satisfactorily does lack fluidity in repect to tempo. Debussy's sound world is individual and while he was not someone who followed musical convention, he, more than any other composer at the end of the 19th century pushed open the door to absorb new musical influences. I would recommend listening to several performances of the work to gain an understanding of how best to approach a performance. Close
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite is one of the composer's easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to those Show More...
The Little Shepherd from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite is one of the composer's easier pieces although it does offer similar challenges to those encountered in his more complex works. His music whilst often sounding simple is always challenging from a performance point of view and there are many aspects of performance to consider when playing his music - namely attention to rhythmic detail, tempo, dynamic range, use of pedals, interpretation of ornaments, amongst others. This arrangement for violin with piano accompaniment is of the fifth movement of the piano suite published in 1908. The suite dedicated to the composer's daughter Chou-Chou has score detail in French and an English title which was possibly chosen to reflect that an English governess was employed to look after his child. The realisation which communicates the musical content satisfactorily does lack fluidity in repect to tempo. Debussy's sound world is individual and while he was not someone who followed musical convention, he, more than any other composer at the end of the 19th century pushed open the door to absorb new musical influences. I would recommend listening to several performances of the work to gain an understanding of how best to approach a performance. Close
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for clarinet in Bb and piano sounding in the key of F This is music composed whilst Debussy was still in his 20 Show More...
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for clarinet in Bb and piano sounding in the key of F This is music composed whilst Debussy was still in his 20’s. The first Arabesque has a tempo marking Andantino con moto whist the realisation for clarinet in Bb and piano plays back at an initial 112 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The music has been transposed from the original key of E to F. It is a three section work. A clarinet in Bb part appropriately transposed is appended to the full music score. Much of the writing in this movement references triadic chords played as arpeggios. The intervals of the thirds and tenth (compound third) feature strongly in the parallel motion It is a three section work with the reflective middle section referencing the key of the sub-dominant. The triplet pattern is a strong feature of the movement. Instrumentalists new to playing cross rhythms need to practice playing triplet rhythms for a bar and then change it to eighth notes so that they develop a clear sense of pulse in their playing. This a movement where the tempo often ebbs and flows in what is referred to as Tempo Rubato. This is an important aspect of performance practice and something that is first associated with the music of Chopin. Instrumentalists need to have a clear understanding of all the terms used in the score detail. 20th century music scores do generally have more graphics and terms in place to assist how the music is to be played and interpreted. A quite stunning and impressionable piece in all senses of the word with a strong sense of melody that lends itself to being arranged for a solo instrument with an accompaniment. Debussy composed his two Arabesques between 1888 and 1891 whilst still in his 20’s. They were originally composed for piano. They are movements that challenge the established pathways of his late romantic contemporaries. They are often described as early impressionist pieces although Debussy himself didn’t like references of his music using the term. Debussy has famously been described as the composer who opened the door to 20th century musical composition in the sense that his compositional approach was different to that of many of his contemporaries whose music was generally becoming increasingly dissonant. Debussy’s writing is more about exploring the beauty of sound without necessarily following the rules of harmonic writing that prevailed in the 19th century. Debussy created a new approach to composition in which beauty of sound and line were paramount exploring connections between the visual arts, nature and the environment around him His music is frequently described as being evocative in that he describes in music what he sees, hears and observes from his experiences of life. He is a composer of visual music. Debussy also lived at a time when the world as such was coming to Europe with exhibitions and as a composer he was open and influenced by the many cultures as his music catalogue suggests. Piano accompaniments are in place to encourage ensemble practice playing at 100-88 -100 quarter note (crotchets) beats per minute and also 104-092-104, 104-100-104, 108-100-108, 112-096-112 and 112-104-112 bpm with the tempo referring to the music as a three section work. If there instrumentalists who would like additional accompaniments in place please advise the PlentyMusic office with tempo suggestions. Accompaniments are priced at 1 credit each. Whilst there are tempo changes in these accompaniments rubato playing is not as such represented. Arabesque is a term that refers to artistic decoration and line which are terms relevant to music. The art in respect to Arab culture is also extremely relevant as the term suggests having both historical and modern contexts. Spend time looking at Arabesque graphics. There are related aspects to line and position in ballet music so as a description of a piece of music using the term Arabesque has relevance and meaning. Close
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for alto saxophone and piano sounding in the key of Ab. This is music composed whilst Debussy was still in his 20 Show More...
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for alto saxophone and piano sounding in the key of Ab. This is music composed whilst Debussy was still in his 20’s. The first Arabesque has a tempo marking Andantino con moto whist the realisation for alto saxophone and piano plays back at an initial 112 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The music has been transposed from the original key of E toAb. It is a three section work. An alto saxophone part appropriately transposed is appended to the full music score. Much of the writing in this movement references triadic chords played as arpeggios. The intervals of the thirds and tenth (compound third) feature strongly in the parallel motion It is a three section work with the reflective middle section referencing the key of the sub-dominant. The triplet pattern is a strong feature of the movement. Instrumentalists new to playing cross rhythms need to practice playing triplet rhythms for a bar and then change it to eighth notes (quavers) so that they develop a clear sense of pulse in their playing. This a movement where the tempo often ebbs and flows in what is referred to as Tempo Rubato. This is an important aspect of performance practice and something that is first associated with the music of Chopin. Instrumentalists need to have a clear understanding of all the terms used in the score detail. 20th century music scores do generally have more graphics and terms in place to assist how the music is to be played and interpreted. A quite stunning and impressionable piece in all senses of the word with a strong sense of melody that lends itself to being arranged for a solo instrument with an accompaniment. Debussy composed his two Arabesques between 1888 and 1891 whilst still in his 20’s. They were originally composed for piano. They are movements that challenge the established pathways of his late romantic contemporaries. They are often described as early impressionist pieces although Debussy himself didn’t like references of his music using the term. Debussy has famously been described as the composer who opened the door to 20th century musical composition in the sense that his compositional approach was different to that of many of his contemporaries whose music was generally becoming increasingly dissonant. Debussy’s writing is more about exploring the beauty of sound without necessarily following the rules of harmonic writing that prevailed in the 19th century. Debussy created a new approach to composition in which beauty of sound and line were paramount exploring connections between the visual arts, nature and the environment around him His music is frequently described as being evocative in that he describes in music what he sees, hears and observes from his experiences of life. He is a composer of visual music. Debussy also lived at a time when the world as such was coming to Europe with exhibitions and as a composer he was open and influenced by the many cultures as his music catalogue suggests. Piano accompaniments are in place to encourage ensemble practice playing at 100-88 -100 quarter note (crotchets) beats per minute and also 104-092-104, 104-100-104, 108-100-108, 112-096-112 and 112-104-112 bpm with the tempo referring to the music as a three section work. If there instrumentalists who would like additional accompaniments in place please advise the PlentyMusic office with tempo suggestions. Whilst there are tempo changes in these accompaniments rubato playing is not as such represented. Arabesque is a term that refers to artistic decoration and line which are terms relevant to music. The art in respect to Arab culture is also extremely relevant as the term suggests having both historical and modern contexts. Spend time looking at Arabesque graphics. There are related aspects to line and position in ballet music so as a description of a piece of music using the term Arabesque has relevance and meaning. Close
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for clarinet quartet, comprising 3 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet sounding in the key of F. This is music comp Show More...
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for clarinet quartet, comprising 3 clarinets in Bb and bass clarinet sounding in the key of F. This is music composed whilst Debussy was still in his 20’s. The first Arabesque has a tempo marking Andantino con moto whist the realisation for clarinet quartet plays back at an initial 112 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The music has been transposed from the original key of E to F. There are some of octave transpositions in the arrangement keeping the instrument parts within the range of the instrument. It is a three section work. Clarinet parts appropriately transposed are appended to the full music score. Tempo considerations have great relevance in the performance of this music. In terms of beauty of music lines this is a hard piece of music to beat which makes it an enthralling and challengeing ensemble piece possibly best performed with a conductor in place or by the clarinet in Bb 1 player who is a competent leader. Learning 3’s against 2’s as a cross rhythm (and 2’s against 3’s) are probably best learnt as clapping/tapping games in a group context. Much of the writing in this movement references triadic chords played as arpeggios. The intervals of the thirds and tenth (compound third) feature strongly in the parallel motion It is a three section work with the reflective middle section referencing the key of the sub-dominant. The triplet pattern is a strong feature of the movement. Instrumentalists new to playing cross rhythms need to practice playing triplet rhythms for a bar and then change it to eighth notes (quavers) so that they develop a clear sense of pulse in their playing. This a movement where the tempo often ebbs and flows in what is referred to as Tempo Rubato. This is an important aspect of performance practice and something that is first associated with the music of Chopin. Instrumentalists need to have a clear understanding of all the terms used in the score detail. 20th century music scores do generally have more graphics and terms in place to assist how the music is to be played and interpreted. A quite stunning and impressionable piece in all senses of the word with a strong sense of melody that lends itself to being arranged for an ensemble such as a clarinet quartet. Debussy composed his two Arabesques between 1888 and 1891 whilst still in his 20’s. They were originally composed for piano. They are movements that challenge the established pathways of his late romantic contemporaries. They are often described as early impressionist pieces although Debussy himself didn’t like references of his music using the term. Debussy has famously been described as the composer who opened the door to 20th century musical composition in the sense that his compositional approach was different to that of many of his contemporaries whose music was generally becoming increasingly dissonant. Debussy’s writing is more about exploring the beauty of sound without necessarily following the rules of harmonic writing that prevailed in the 19th century. Debussy created a new approach to composition in which beauty of sound and line were paramount exploring connections between the visual arts, nature and the environment around him His music is frequently described as being evocative in that he describes in music what he sees, hears and observes from his experiences of life. He is a composer of visual music. Debussy also lived at a time when the world as such was coming to Europe with exhibitions and as a composer he was open and influenced by the many cultures as his music suggests. Clarinet accompaniments are in place to encourage ensemble practice playing at 100-88 -100 quarter note (crotchets) beats per minute and also 104-092-104, 104-100-104, 108-100-108, 112-096-112 and 112-104-112 bpm with the tempo referring to the music as a three section work. If there clarinettists who would like additional accompaniments in place please advise the PlentyMusic office with tempo suggestions. Whilst there are tempo changes in these accompaniments rubato playing is not as such represented. Arabesque is a term that refers to artistic decoration and line which are terms relevant to music. The art in respect to Arab culture is also extremely relevant as the term suggests having both historical and modern contexts. Spend time looking at Arabesque graphics. There are related aspects to line and position in ballet music so as a description of a piece of music the term Arabesque has several references and meaning. Close
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for advanced level trombone & piano sounding in the key of F. The music composed whilst Debussy was still in his Show More...
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for advanced level trombone & piano sounding in the key of F. The music composed whilst Debussy was still in his 20’s. The first Arabesque has a tempo marking Andantino con moto whist the realisation for trombone & piano plays back at an initial 112 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The music has been transposed from the original key of E to F. There are some of octave transpositions in the arrangement keeping the trombone parts within an appropriate range. It is a three section work. A trombone part notated in the tenor clef is appended to the full music score. Piano accompaniments are available playing at 100-88 -100 quarter note (crotchets) beats per minute, 104-092-104, 104-100-104, 108-100-108, 112-096-112 and 112-104-112 bpm with the tempo references referring to the music as a three section work. Tempo considerations have great relevance in the performance of this music. In terms of beauty of music lines this is a hard piece of music to beat which makes it an enthralling and challenging ensemble piece. Some of the score detail is omitted in the video score and the use of 3 to indicated triplets are perhaps not consistently applied Learning 3’s against 2’s as a cross rhythm (and 2’s against 3’s) are probably best learnt as clapping/tapping games in a group context. Much of the writing in this movement references triadic chords played as arpeggios. The intervals of the thirds and tenth (compound third) feature strongly in the parallel motion It is a three section work with the reflective middle section referencing the key of the sub-dominant. The triplet pattern is a strong feature of the movement. Instrumentalists new to playing cross rhythms need to practice playing triplet rhythms for a bar and then change it to eighth notes (quavers) so that they develop a clear sense of pulse in their playing. This a movement where the tempo often ebbs and flows in what is referred to as Tempo Rubato. This is an important aspect of performance practice and something that is first associated with the music of Chopin. Instrumentalists need to have a clear understanding of all the terms used in the score detail. 20th century music scores do generally have more graphics and terms in place to assist how the music is to be played and interpreted. A quite stunning and impressionable piece in all senses of the word with a strong sense of melody that lends itself to being arranged for an ensemble such as a solo instrument with a piano accompaniment. Debussy composed his two Arabesques between 1888 and 1891 whilst still in his 20’s. They were originally composed for piano. They are movements that challenge the established pathways of his late romantic contemporaries. They are often described as early impressionist pieces although Debussy himself didn’t like references of his music using the term. Debussy has famously been described as the composer who opened the door to 20th century musical composition in the sense that his compositional approach was different to that of many of his contemporaries whose music was generally becoming increasingly dissonant. Debussy’s writing is more about exploring the beauty of sound without necessarily following the rules of harmonic writing that prevailed in the 19th century. Debussy created a new approach to composition in which beauty of sound and line were paramount exploring connections between the visual arts, nature and the environment around him His music is frequently described as being evocative in that he describes in music what he sees, hears and observes from his experiences of life. He is a composer of visual music. Debussy also lived at a time when the world as such was coming to Europe with exhibitions and as a composer he was open and influenced by the many cultures as his music suggests. If there are trombonists who would like additional accompaniments in place please advise the PlentyMusic office with a tempo template. Whilst there are tempo changes in the PlentyMusic accompaniments rubato playing is not as such represented. Arabesque is a term that refers to artistic decoration and line which are terms relevant to music. The art in respect to Arab culture is also extremely relevant as the term suggests having both historical and modern contexts. Spend time looking at Arabesque graphics. There are related aspects to line and position in ballet music so as a description of a piece of music the term Arabesque has several references and meaning. Close
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for saxophone quartet, comprising soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones sounding in the key of F. This is Show More...
Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 arranged for saxophone quartet, comprising soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones sounding in the key of F. This is music composed whilst Debussy was still in his 20’s. The first Arabesque has a tempo marking Andantino con moto whist the realisation for saxophone quartet plays back at an initial 112 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The music has been transposed from the original key of E to F. There are some of octave transpositions in the arrangement keeping the instrument parts within the range of the instrument. It is a three section work. Saxophone parts appropriately transposed are appended to the full music score. Much of the writing in this movement references triadic chords played as arpeggios. The intervals of the thirds and tenth (compound third) feature strongly in the parallel motion It is a three section work with the reflective middle section referencing the key of the sub-dominant. The triplet pattern is a strong feature of the movement. Instrumentalists new to playing cross rhythms need to practice playing triplet rhythms for a bar and then change it to eighth notes (quavers) so that they develop a clear sense of pulse in their playing. This a movement where the tempo often ebbs and flows in what is referred to as Tempo Rubato. This is an important aspect of performance practice and something that is first associated with the music of Chopin. Instrumentalists need to have a clear understanding of all the terms used in the score detail. 20th century music scores do generally have more graphics and terms in place to assist how the music is to be played and interpreted. A quite stunning and impressionable piece in all senses of the word with a strong sense of melody that lends itself to being arranged for an ensemble such as a clarinet quartet. Debussy composed his two Arabesques between 1888 and 1891 whilst still in his 20’s. They were originally composed for piano. They are movements that challenge the established pathways of his late romantic contemporaries. They are often described as early impressionist pieces although Debussy himself didn’t like references of his music using the term. Debussy has famously been described as the composer who opened the door to 20th century musical composition in the sense that his compositional approach was different to that of many of his contemporaries whose music was generally becoming increasingly dissonant. Debussy’s writing is more about exploring the beauty of sound without necessarily following the rules of harmonic writing that prevailed in the 19th century. Debussy created a new approach to composition in which beauty of sound and line were paramount exploring connections between the visual arts, nature and the environment around him His music is frequently described as being evocative in that he describes in music what he sees, hears and observes from his experiences of life. He is a composer of visual music. Debussy also lived at a time when the world as such was coming to Europe with exhibitions and as a composer he was open and influenced by the many cultures as his music suggests. Saxophone accompaniments are in place to encourage ensemble practice playing at 100-88 -100 quarter note (crotchets) beats per minute and also 104-092-104, 104-100-104, 108-100-108, 112-096-112 and 112-104-112 bpm with the tempo referring to the music as a three section work. If there are saxophonists who would like additional accompaniments in place please advise the PlentyMusic office with tempo suggestions. Whilst there are tempo changes in these accompaniments rubato playing is not as such represented. Arabesque is a term that refers to artistic decoration and line which are terms relevant to music. The art in respect to Arab culture is also extremely relevant as the term suggests having both historical and modern contexts. Spend time looking at Arabesque graphics. There are related aspects to line and position in ballet music so as a description of a piece of music the term Arabesque has several references and meaning. Close
En Bateau is the first piece in Debussy’s Petite Suite published and first performed in 1889. Accompaniments are in place enabling pianists & keybo Show More...
En Bateau is the first piece in Debussy’s Petite Suite published and first performed in 1889. Accompaniments are in place enabling pianists & keyboard players to practice either the primo or secondo part. They play back at 63, 66 & 69 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. The title is beautifully reflected in the images suggested by the musical content. Essentially a chord based piece of music the shifting rhythmic patterns suggests movement bots and water.. The music is in ternary form ABA. The word impressionism has a context with Debussy’s music although it was a term that the composer himself did not like For Debussy the piano was an instrument without hammers. Use of both the sustaining & soft pedals are essential in the playing of his piano music which is often played at the quiet end of the dynamic range. Debussy's approach to composition often broke traditional theory rules with his preoccupation being very much sound and the many shades of colour that could be obtained from sounds. He was fond of the parallel movement of chords for example & dissonances which were often left unresolved. In terms of his position in music history Debussy his someone who "opened the door" to the many directions that music took during the 20th century. He considered that chords were brushstrokes of colour Debussy was one who distanced himself from the German music traditions associated with Beethoven & Wagner. Debussy approach to composing music was like that of a painter with sounds being brushstrokes A big influence on Debussy was the 1889 Paris World Fair which provided an opportunity to hear Javanese gamelan music and Russian music by the Mighty Handful together with operatic, symphonic & folk music from western and non western ensembles. This was an experience that encouraged him to experiment with whole tone & pentatonic scales. Close
