Clair de Lune or Rêverie?

[georgesand96]

Hello!

I need advice on which piece to start learning first. I haven't played much Debussy yet, only played Beau Soir around a year ago, and once I understood how the rhythm works I didn't find it very hard. I played a few Chopin nocturnes (Op. 55 No.1, Op. 9 No.1 are the most recent ones) and am working on a Schubert impromptu (Op. 90 No.2). I wonder which piece by Debussy would be appropriate for my level? I wouldn't mind being challenged a little! I have done a lot of background reading of him, took a class on twentieth century music, analyzed a few of his works etc. So I think I have a good sense of how to interpret his music, but I wonder which one would be more manageable in terms of piano technique? Thanks a lot 

[themeandvariation]

Hi GeorgeSand,
The Reverie is perhaps a bit easier to accommodate technically … though both demand a 'fine' touch in evenness, subtlety, and shading...

[sabtan]

Hi there,

It's hard to gauge what "level" you're at just because you played Chopin's nocturnes and Schubert's impromptu. Debussy is quite different from the former two with his pieces.

I haven't played Reverie before, but have played Claire de Lune/ Deux Arabesque/ Suite Bergamasque, and many others of his music .
Most of Debussy's music are not technically "demanding" per se, but you do have to pay close attention to his little notations and details, e.g where the rubato comes in, his dynamics etc
And you'll have to try to portray the imagery as close to his title as possible. He is after all in the era of impressionism.

I would encourage you to listen to multiple recordings of the two pieces that you think of learning.
Claudio Arrau plays beautiful Debussy music ( don't mind his occasional wrong notes, but his musicality is what's impressive)
There are many other pianists out there who play good Debussy so I'd encourage you to listen to as many as you can so that you can know what sort of style that is required.

Good luck and enjoy

[kevonthegreatpianist]

The Reverie is easier than the Clair de Lune, but they both are fairly challenging.

[reitmaninoff]

Neither of these works are 'technically difficult,' but in choosing one you must remember exactly this; playing the notes well, fluently, even understanding impressionism is not so much the point of either piece.

If this is your first Debussy work, I would go with Reverie - I'm sure you won't have any problems in playing Claire de Lune - but it is heavily, heavily misinterpreted far too often in my opinion. The musicality of both pieces is glorious, really that's why they are so enjoyable to play, and far beyond any of the notes or directions on the score, it is about creating this musicality that Debussy provides. For that reason, I think Reverie is a better first choice, I learnt both a couple of years ago, but still to this day they are some of the most enjoyable and fulfilling works to play.

Best of luck in either work - but spend time on it, really enjoy Debussy.