Posts Tagged ‘Suite Bergamasque’
My Performance: Clair De Lune, Claude Debussy
September 16th, 2009
Finally, after a whole bunch of attempts of screwing up huge, I managed to get a semi-decent performance on tape of myself playing Clair De Lune from Suit Bergamasque, by Claude Debussy.
Now, just to clear some things up here. I am NOT super talented. If I was, I would have been able to learn this piece within a week (or a couple of days), and would have been able to play it flawlessly, every time, with perfect flowing motion and rhythm. The flowing motion that I am doing right now bothers me a little. I want it PERFECT. I will have to slow this piece way, way, way down to practice the flowiness to get it just right. THEN I will sound like a real concert pianist (maybe).
Anyways, there are a few flubs in here (see if you can pick them out… no wait, don’t), but I’m pretty okay with it. If I ever do master the flowing speed, I may try re-taping this thing. I hope you enjoy my amazing transition effects and whatnot. (Ha ha.)
Elise’s Musical Tip For The Day:
I dare you to tackle Clair De Lune. It’s a great challenge. It looks quite easy, but man, those hand-flowing motions and arpeggiated chords get me every time. And you REALLY have to develop your own sense of musicality for this piece. It sounds beautiful, but considering I’ve heard myself play it a million times now, I’m kind of sick of it for the time being. (That usually happens to me with any piece I need to practice over and over and over again.) I hope you do enjoy this performance, though, and I hope it sort of inspires you readers to keep playing the piano, no matter how hard or frustrating it may seem 
Posted in Famous Composers, My Performances | 
Tags: Clair De Lune, Claude Debussy, Performance, Suite Bergamasque | 
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Clair De Lune, Composed By Claude Debussy
July 22nd, 2009
Anyone who enjoys classical music would probably agree that one of the most beautiful piano compositions is Clair De Lune by Claude Debussy. Of his Suite Bergamasque, this is the third most famous piece. The piece gives reference to a bergamask, which is a clumsy dance performed by Bergamo natives.
The name of the piece literally translates from French as “moonlight.” As an experienced pianist, I know that this is a perfect title, considering the rolling notes and defined harmonies in the piece are meant to reflect images and the dancing of the moonlight.
The piece was actually the inspiration for the famous Disney song, “When You Wish Upon A Star,” and can be heard in various movies and other sources of promotional media. Two distinct examples I can think of are the recent teen-sensation movie, “Twilight,” as well as the Canadian television advertisement for the new Lexus RX450h. See it here on YouTube.
The piece is full of fingering technique. The sweeping hand and wrist movements, the modulations of intensity, the melodic and counter-melodic harmonies, and the crescendos and decrescendos in relation to the dynamics of the song are all qualities that make this piece what it truly is; amazing and completely timeless.
I am currently studying the piece, and within a few weeks, I hope to have mastered it entirely. For me, the hardest part is not learning or memorizing the notes. The technical parts and developing and interpreting my own way of moving my hands to reflect feeling will be the greatest challenge.
You can find Debussy’s Clair De Lune piano sheet music by clicking here.
Elise’s Musical Tip For The Day:
If you enjoy Debussy’s Clair De Lune and have some knowledge and experience of fingering technique, I would recommend learning this song. It’s not entirely difficult, and like I said, technique is the hardest part. The original piece is meant for late intermediate to early advanced piano players, or grade levels 4 to 6.
Posted in Song Reviews |
Tags: Clair De Lune, Debussy, Moonlight, Piece, Suite Bergamasque, Technique |
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