Debussy's own piano playing - new web page

[Nordlys]

How would it be to experience Debussy at the piano?

Many people who did hear him play, were profoundly impressed:

Debussy at the piano! One had to have seen it to appreciate its magic. No words could describe the mysterious enchantment of his playing... [Jacques-Emile Blanche 1932]

On one occasion, after tea, Debussy played his first Prélude, 'Les danseuses de Delphes' to us. It was as yet unpublished. I have never heard more beautiful pianoforte playing... [Louisa Liebich]

How did Debussy actually play?
What was his sound?
What kind of technique did he use?
Was he any good, at all?
Is it possible to ever get to know this?
Are there any recordings of Debussy playing the piano?

These questions are the basis of my project. Visit my web page: "Debussy at the piano"

I also have some recordings of my own concerts, including Debussy and Scriabin, available for download at my piano web page

[nicko124]

Are there any recordings of Debussy playing the piano?

Yes. Fortunetely there are recordings available of piano rolls that Debussy recorded - See here https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005IC03/qid=1131710081/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl15/102-3683892-4532134?v=glance&s=classical&n=507846

I haven't managed to purchase this CD yet but I plan to get it soon.

[BoliverAllmon]

too bad amazon doesn't give a snippet

[nicko124]

too bad amazon doesn't give a snippet

Yes, a shame. Amazon.com is usually good for providing sample tracks to CDs.

This CD is available for rent at my Library and I have been meaning to borrow it for some time now. I have already read quite a bit on how Debussy wanted his music to be performed, it should be fascinating to listen to him play his own works.

[Nordlys]

Thanks for your input.

My questions were mostly meant as rethorical questions.
I know about the Debussy recordings, of course.

For those of you who don't have time to visit my web site:
For my master degree I wrote a thesis on the piano playing of Debussy. I used both the Debussy recordings, and written sources. Now I have put much of this online; the part based on the written sources that we have. I have collected and systematized accounts describing the piano playing of Debussy, and also the sources were we can get to know about Debussy's ideas for piano playing. Taken together, all these sources give a quite detailed picture, describing the sound, touch, technique, and more, that Debussy had.

I will appreciate more input, if you have any thoughts about Debussy's own piano playing, or if you have any comments about my web site.

[m]

Yes. Fortunetely there are recordings available of piano rolls that Debussy recorded

I highly doubt somebody like Debussy (or anybody else) would sound good on a roll.
The way he composed completely contradicts anything the roll could possibly represent.

[nicko124]

Thanks for your input.

My questions were mostly meant as rethorical questions.
I know about the Debussy recordings, of course.

For those of you who don't have time to visit my web site:
For my master degree I wrote a thesis on the piano playing of Debussy. I used both the Debussy recordings, and written sources. Now I have put much of this online; the part based on the written sources that we have. I have collected and systematized accounts describing the piano playing of Debussy, and also the sources were we can get to know about Debussy's ideas for piano playing. Taken together, all these sources give a quite detailed picture, describing the sound, touch, technique, and more, that Debussy had.

I will appreciate more input, if you have any thoughts about Debussy's own piano playing, or if you have any comments about my web site.

Your web page is very interesting indeed. I was particularly interested in the ''Debussy Concerts'' section which lists the concerts Debussy appeared in as pianist.

I happened to notice that on March 1, 1889 Debussy played Petite Suite with Jacques Durand. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the Petite Suite but it is incrediably sweet and delightful, playing solo or duet versions.

If anyone here is interested in learning it than look here:-

Petite Suite - Duet - https://www.gamingforce.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=39177

Petite Suite - Solo - https://www.gamingforce.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=39178


Sorry to go off topic but I think it's worth it to spread the good word about this work.

[Nordlys]

I highly doubt somebody like Debussy (or anybody else) would sound good on a roll.
The way he composed completely contradicts anything the roll could possibly represent.

Yes, but still these rolls are very important documentation of Debussy's playing. There are acoustic recordings of Debussy accompaning the singer Mary Garden, but interesting as they are, we don't hear much of the piano playing of Debussy in the background. The rolls are the only direct "fingerprint" of Debussy's playing.

See here for my view on piano rolls:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,13042.msg140515.html#msg140515
and here:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,14006.msg151199.html#msg151199

Your web page is very interesting indeed. I was particularly interested in the ''Debussy Concerts'' section which lists the concerts Debussy appeared in as pianist.

I happened to notice that on March 1, 1889 Debussy played Petite Suite with Jacques Durand. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the Petite Suite but it is incrediably sweet and delightful, playing solo or duet versions.

If anyone here is interested in learning it than look here:-

Petite Suite - Duet - https://www.gamingforce.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=39177

Petite Suite - Solo - https://www.gamingforce.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=39178


Sorry to go off topic but I think it's worth it to spread the good word about this work.

I agree, this is a nice work.
There is a funny description of this music salon concert with Debussy and Durand, told by Durand. Apparently Debussy was quite nervous. Have a look at my web site: Debussy as a pianist, the section on concert critiques.