Jardins sous la pluie

[gvans]

The tail end of a concert I played in Georgia on a Mason & Hamlin, about 5' 10".
I was a bit fatigued...but at least, after a Beethoven sonata, a trio of Chopins, and a Liszt, warmed up.

Legend has it the composer was taking some wine with friends in a garden in Normandy when a squall blew in. Everyone ran indoors except the complètement fous Monsieur Debussy, who sat through rain, thunder, and lightning until the sun broke through, an ecstatic look on his face.  Soon thereafter, Estampes appeared, with this work as the finale.

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[rachfan]

Hi gvans,

You played a very good rendition of Jardins, not an easy piece by any means.  Your audience seemed to enjoy it as well. Also thanks for that story as to how Debussy came to compose this music. I had never read about it before. 

David

[gvans]

Hi David,
Thanks for your kind words.

Debussy is an amazing composer, so many colors. My favorite thing about his work is his use of the full range of sonorities on the piano, his ability to draw sounds from the entire register of the instrument.

Glad you liked the piece.

Glenn

[chechig]

Hi! Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing. I love Debussy's music, but unfortunately is too difficult for me, but sooner or later, who knows!. I found this Debussy's Album Leaf and I'm trying to learn it. But I dont' know, most os his pieces are really difficult

[gvans]

Hi Chechig,

Try some of the pieces in Children's Corner, a suite Debussy wrote for his beloved daughter, Chou-chou.

The pieces are not difficult and yet remain poetic. The opening work, Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum, is a spoof of a Czerny etude but is still evocative. It's a great encore piece. The famous Golliwog's Cakewalk (from the same suite) is fun, rhythmic, and well worth learning.

Best,

gvans

[chechig]

Hi, Thanks for the tip, I'll have a look at the pieces you mentioned. Actually, I learnt "album leaf", not that difficult as I thought.