Debussy's preludes grading

[BuyBuy]

Could anyone give their view on Debussy's preludes books I and II difficulty ?

Like a grading from easiest to hardest would be appreciated. Thanks.

[bernhard]

Book II is generally more difficult than book I.

From easier to harder:

Book I:

La fille aux cheveux de Lin (grade 6)

Minstrels (grade 7)

Danceuses de Delphes (grade 8 )
Des pas sur la Neige (grade 8 )
La Cathedrale Engloutie (grade 8 )

Book II:

Bruyeres (grade 8 )
General Lavinne, eccentric (grade 8 )
Canope (grade 8 )
Hommage a S. Pickwick (grade 8 )


Everything else is advanced.

Ce qu’q vu le Vent d’Ouest is the most difficult prelude in book I.
Feux d’artifice is the hardest prelude of book II and overall.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[nicko124]

Can somebody tell me how Des pas sur la Neige is grade 8, isn't this the really bad but easy piece: footsteps in the snow.?

[IanT]

Ah Nicko,  it's not so easy to make it sound not bad!

Ian

[Floristan]

Can somebody tell me how Des pas sur la Neige is grade 8, isn't this the really bad but easy piece: footsteps in the snow.?

I just heard Richard Goode perform Book I of the Debussy preludes about a month ago.

"...Des pas sur la neige" was riveting.  You'll change your opinion, Nicko, if you ever hear it played well.

[bernhard]

I just heard Richard Goode perform Book I of the Debussy preludes about a month ago.

"...Des pas sur la neige" was riveting.  You'll change your opinion, Nicko, if you ever hear it played well.

That is what it makes it grade 8: It is difficult to play it well.