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Topic: L'isle Joyeuse - Debussy (Read 1130 times)

thedodocotimes

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 7

Hello, I started working on L'isle Joyeuse a week and a half ago and am currently struggling with the part with the 5ths on the left hand (around the 5th-6th page). I want some tips on the piece, especially that part, as I am struggling with keeping it together and not sounding so robotic. I have a recital in February but have to complete sight reading by the end of this month. Thank you in advance!

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thorn

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 784

Re: L'isle Joyeuse - Debussy

Reply #1 on: October 15, 2023, 05:47:26 PM

It's difficult to give tips on the entire piece via internet, it's easier for us if you ask about specific parts! For the part you did ask about, I suggest practicing hands separately with a metronome marking the first beat of the bar. When you feel ready to put them back together, set the metronome to 3/8 and play the LH alone to make sure it is secure even with the distraction. Don't rush this either!

This guy recorded himself learning the piece from scratch, so you could have a look at this too for some inspiration (I haven't watched it myself as I learned this piece over 10 years ago, but he's a fantastic musician I don't know why he is not more famous)

&si=qH4ef9A9CupQJI9g

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thedodocotimes

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 7

Re: L'isle Joyeuse - Debussy

Reply #2 on: October 16, 2023, 02:22:50 AM

Quote from: thorn on October 15, 2023, 05:47:26 PM

It's difficult to give tips on the entire piece via internet, it's easier for us if you ask about specific parts! For the part you did ask about, I suggest practicing hands separately with a metronome marking the first beat of the bar. When you feel ready to put them back together, set the metronome to 3/8 and play the LH alone to make sure it is secure even with the distraction. Don't rush this either!

This guy recorded himself learning the piece from scratch, so you could have a look at this too for some inspiration (I haven't watched it myself as I learned this piece over 10 years ago, but he's a fantastic musician I don't know why he is not more famous)
&si=qH4ef9A9CupQJI9g

Thank you! I will definitely check him out! That being said, any tips on keeping the trills audible/even for the beginning? Also, for the high trills (main theme in 3/8), is there a way to fill in the gap during the jump on the right hand? Sorry my grammar is off I'm currently 13 lol

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thorn

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 784

Re: L'isle Joyeuse - Debussy

Reply #3 on: October 16, 2023, 11:04:31 AM

I personally finger 1-3 and just vibrate my wrist. There are others who do it all in the fingers and play 1-3-2-3-1-3 etc. Also stay relaxed and play into the keyboard. When pianists play quietly it's common to tense up and not depress keys enough which causes the unevenness and inaudibility.

In the part where the trills jump around, I play the first note of each trill with the left hand which gives the right hand more time to get there. Also memorise! These bars are not difficult at all memory-wise and doing this means you can concentrate on the jumps rather than the score.

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