Good Debussy/Ravel songs to learn in preparation for Gaspard de la nuit -Ondine?

[backtothepiano]

Hi all,

I'm coming back to the piano after a very long break. I was pretty serious about the piano when I was younger and got to a semi-decent level - to the point where I was able to play songs like Estampes I Pagodes pretty easily.

I've decided to make it a long-term goal to learn Ondine from Gaspard de la nuit. I was wondering if you all could recommend a series of (7-12?) songs by either Ravel or Debussy that would help prepare to me tackle Ondine.

I'm already thinking maybe Une barque sur l'océan and Jeux d'eau may be good to learn first. I'm definitely open to suggestions!

[rachmaninoff_forever]

That piece is so unlike any other piece of music I can't really think of much.

I think it would be good for you to do Chopin op 25 no 6 cause the double thirds in Ondine are almost impossible.

[visitor]

also good for working thirds (and inversions/6ths) within the right hand:

[ffchopinist]

Hi backtothepiano! I'm in a similar place as you in terms of wanting to play Ondine as a returning adult student after a long break from serious lessons as a youth. I actually happened to ask my teacher about this last week, and she suggested getting to know Ravel's style a bit with a (relatively) "easy" piece like his Sonatine first or possibly Jeux D'eau.  If you want to play more of  Estampes, Jardins Sous La Pluie  is another fun one that I've worked on in the past that may not necessarily incorporate the same techniques as Ondine but help strengthen familiarity with Impressionistic works.