Debussy ---- Bruyères (Heather)

[matterintospirit]

https://www.cdbaby.com/halfreedman3

[rachfan]

Hi Hal,

Bruyeres is one of the finest lyrical pieces in Book II, and a favorite of mine.  It shares some attributes with "Girl with the Flaxen Hair" from Book I.  You play it very well!  Thanks for posting your recording.

David

[matterintospirit]

Hi David,
Thanks. I feel the same here. I sometimes think that Debussy, with both pieces, is throwing out a challenge to the Romantic pianists of his time. The challenge is that in order to execute these pieces, they require a very fresh, bold and direct approach. No time to fuss or linger over phrasing. I too often here pianists infuse these pieces with too much sentimental meaning, trying to squeeze every drop of emotion out of each phrase. In that case. it is not the music of Debussy. It doesn't work and it is meant not to work. I've taught this piece to a few of my students--it's a real "Bear!" You know well it requires so much musical sophistication to pull off Debussy's music. He was the ultimate in that respect. He knew what he was up to!