Debussy - Danseuses de Delphes

[liszt85]

There are a couple of spots that need to be worked on but I'm quite happy with the result for the time being. It should be much better in another week. I'm also working on the 3rd prelude from book 1. I love Debussy!

[rachfan]

Hi liszt85

I've also recorded Debussy's "Danseuses" in the past so know it well.  I think you did a fine job with this prelude.  You create the imagery of the dignified and languid motions of the dance (supposedly depicted on an ancient Greek urn viewed by the composer).  You play with a nice legato and also portato touch as needed.  The rhythms are correct and stable throughout the piece.  And you make the percussive accents of the major seconds (crotals) resonate.  Voicing of the melodic line, balancing of the hands, and dynamics and pedaling are all done with care.  The tempo is lent, but you always sustain interest despite the very slow pace of the music. You definitely listen to every note you play. I can tell you put much work into learning and performing this piece. Excellent!

David

[pianoplayjl]

Exceeds expectations! I thought this piece was meant to be slow and when a friend of mine learnt it, the piece was really dull. I'm glad you added new meaning to the piece by creating a bit more contrast than I expected and speeding the tempo.

JL

[liszt85]

Hi liszt85

I've also recorded Debussy's "Danseuses" in the past so know it well.  I think you did a fine job with this prelude.  You create the imagery of the dignified and languid motions of the dance (supposedly depicted on an ancient Greek urn viewed by the composer).  You play with a nice legato and also portato touch as needed.  The rhythms are correct and stable throughout the piece.  And you make the percussive accents of the major seconds (crotals) resonate.  Voicing of the melodic line, balancing of the hands, and dynamics and pedaling are all done with care.  The tempo is lent, but you always sustain interest despite the very slow pace of the music. You definitely listen to every note you play. I can tell you put much work into learning and performing this piece. Excellent!

David

Thanks David. I learned the notes to the prelude two weeks ago. I played it for my teacher at my last lesson (last week) and he gave me some very useful instructions on how to color the sound.. its been much better after that. Check out my blog (https://pianisticdevelopment.blogspot.com/) if you're interested, I keep lesson notes there.

[liszt85]

Exceeds expectations! I thought this piece was meant to be slow and when a friend of mine learnt it, the piece was really dull. I'm glad you added new meaning to the piece by creating a bit more contrast than I expected and speeding the tempo.

JL

I used to play it slower too, until my teacher stepped in and gave me a better sense of direction with this piece. Glad you enjoyed it.