DEBUSSY 'Pagodes'(Pagodas) from the collection 'Estampes'

[matterintospirit]

https://soundcloud.com/classical-soul-pianist/pagodas-from-the-collection


From the collection 'Estampes' (Engravings) by Claude Debussy. This piece was inspired by the Javanese Gamelan which Debussy first heard at an international exhibition in Paris. here is the definition of Gamelan from Wikipedia:

A gamelan is a traditional musical ensemble from Indonesia, typically from the islands of Java and Bali, featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, kendang (drums) and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings. Vocalists may also be included. For most Indonesians, gamelan music is an integral part of Indonesian culture.[1]
The term refers more to the set of instruments than to the players of those instruments. A gamelan is a set of instruments as a distinct entity, built and tuned to stay together – instruments from different gamelan are generally not interchangeable.

[emill]

This piece by Debussy I have heard so many times yet the images I have conjured in my mind have been abstract for most part ..... but with your info about the GAMELAN it has become much more concrete and one could imagine Debussy's individual impressions of the instruments when played.

In the southern portion of our country which is bordered by the sea and Indonesia, we share the chime-gong tradition and other percussion instruments made of wood. Beautiful playing and THANKS for sharing ..... btw I also liked a lot your Adagio from Beethoven's Sonata 2  and Chopin's Nocturne in E minor.  Set my mood just right for the day ..... THANKS!

[rachfan]

Hi m-i-s,

I've always thought of "Pagodas" as one of Debussy's finest pieces, and you play it exceptionally well.  Congrats on your artistry and this wonderful recording.

David

[matterintospirit]

This piece by Debussy I have heard so many times yet the images I have conjured in my mind have been abstract for most part ..... but with your info about the GAMELAN it has become much more concrete and one could imagine Debussy's individual impressions of the instruments when played.

In the southern portion of our country which is bordered by the sea and Indonesia, we share the chime-gong tradition and other percussion instruments made of wood. Beautiful playing and THANKS for sharing ..... btw I also liked a lot your Adagio from Beethoven's Sonata 2  and Chopin's Nocturne in E minor.  Set my mood just right for the day ..... THANKS!

Thank you ---I'm glad you enjoyed the piece and thanks for sharing your personal knowledge of the Gamelan. Also thanks for the kind words on the other pieces.

                      best regards,
     
                                 Hal

[matterintospirit]

Hi m-i-s,

I've always thought of "Pagodas" as one of Debussy's finest pieces, and you play it exceptionally well.  Congrats on your artistry and this wonderful recording.

David

Hi David,
  Thanks for your vote of confidence. I always value your opinion, it means a lot to me and I'm glad you enjoyed my rendition!!