DEBUSSY-- "La Puerta del Vino" (Wine Gate)

[matterintospirit]

"avec de brusques oppositions d'exteme violence et de passionee doucer"

[rachfan]

Hi matter,

Along with "La soiree dans Granade", this piece again shows that the Frenchman Debussy could, in writing Spanish music, out-compose the Spanish composers of his time.  It's true!  I really enjoyed hearing your rendition of "La Puerta del Vino".  And thanks for including a picture of the actual Wine Gate of the Alhambra Palace.  But as your playing aptly shows, Debussy's music is not only about the exotic, mysterious Moorish gate itself, but also the festive atmosphere outside the gate--cabaret dancers, flamenco/habanera rhythms in the night, partying with plenty of wine and song, etc.  You highlight all this "local color" along with the changes of vignette using various touches and tonal timbres as well as the wide range of dynamics that help paint the picture of the goings-on by the gate.

I've played a number of the preludes, but not La Puerta (although I should have played it by now).  So I'd rather not critique the details of your playing of the score.  In general I do believe it is very good as it effectively captures the contrasting moods.  Your pedaling could not have been better in making the music atmospheric, yet etching clarity too.  Great job! 

[matterintospirit]

Hi David,
   I'm really glad that you enjoyed it. This is one of my favorite Debussy preludes, at least at the moment. I love all things Spanish and Moorish, but more than that, to me this piece is also in a sense, universal (as art "should" be.)  To me, it is a symbol of that ubiquitous "far away place" of the imagination, full of mystery, color, dreams, passion.
   Funny you should mention all the vivid scenes you described outside the gate. I'm a landscape painter, as well as a pianist, and I can never decide whether I am more a painter, or more a musician!   
 I e-mailed the music file to a friend of mine, and she said she loved it, but it "scared" her!!
Thanks again for your feedback. Love those vivid descriptions! Makes me want to go there for real!
                                       Regards,

                                                   Hal