Debussy's "La danse de Puck"

[tariswerewolf]

Hi all!

I am starting orchestrating this piece (as I have been running a bit dry lately in the composition department), and I was wondering about the tempo. The score I have gives it as "Capricieux et leger" (Capricious and light), with eighth-note equal to 138. I have tried this and it just sounds too slow. The recording I have of it, I checked yesterday and the pianist takes it at about 190! It definitely sounds capricious and light but I worry that for any orchestral player, it will be too fast.

How fast do you take it?

[ako]

I think 138 is about right. If you want to, maybe just a bit faster but nothing like 190. THat's my take on this piece. Lightness doesn't necessarily means crazy fast, I think.

[tariswerewolf]

I can live with it at about 140-150... then it actually sounds capricious... but 190 is way too fast. Thanks for the advice.