*YES!* I have had such a hard time counting duples and your explination has made this so much easier. *THANK YOU!!!!* 6 months of my life i've put into this piece...
Mark Williams Hi Mark - so glad it helped. This piece is really tough when starting out, but I've seen so many students get it perfect when they start counting out loud. Have a great week!
"Debussy always demanded absolute accuracy and fidelity to his written instructions. He said his music needed nothing for perfect correctness of style except a faithful interpreter. He was particularly insistent about rhythmic precision and required his pupils to practice with the metronome. His development of rhythmic patterns is nearly unprecedented and is often quite complex; his notation is very precise and must be scrupulously followed." (Margery Halford, Debussy: An Introduction to his Piano Music", Alfred)
My daughter is learning this beautiful piece. But counting is not easy for her. So, here I am, relearning to guide her in correctly. You help us tons to understanding. Wish her teacher would do the same as you do. Count Precisely to go far. Thank you very much. I always enjoy your guidance. Plus, you are a very very handsome ❤️❤️❤️
you need a good glass of water after all that counting, Josh. Cheers! Private Joe of the army sure is happy he will not have you as his drill Sergeant. But then, imagine the US marine corps marching on the rythm of Debussy's Clair de Lune, and a smile comes on my face.
This is so helpful, I know I'm like 3 years late seeing this video, but thanks so much!!! Really helpful with the double triplets dividing 6 bits into the 9 beats and with the basics too. Really appreciated Josh. :)
Dude. Thank you so much. For years I have asked this question. Subdivision solves Everything. So simple. Its actually quite hard but im just learning it right now. Thank you again. Next is all the other complex rhythms.
I started playing piano by ear before I started taking lessons in first grade. Continued lessons into college. It's been decades since I had a teacher. Several years ago, I tackled this piece. Instead of counting the eighth notes one through nine, I found it to flow nicely counting the eighth notes in three groups of three: 1-and-a 2-and-a 3-and-a... I know it sounds a bit like Laurence Welk starting the band, but it worked for me.
Was just looking for someone to confirm I was thinking about the Duplets correctly! Thank you so much! Your tips about the sextuplets helped so much as well.
I'm learning this on the harp, it was so good to see how you had broken the duplets down especially from bar 19 and the return to the 8 notes. Great tutorial.
I think you did a great job in explaining something that must have also tested your patience and endurance. I know it must not have been easy for you. Well done!
I'm learning this for my HSC (final school exams in Australia) on classical guitar using J. Edward's extremely crazy guitar arrangement. And I've been searching for ages on a very easy to understand explanation on counting 9/8 and duples in Clair de lune specifically. This was extremely helpful! You're an excellent teacher Josh, keep it up! (you've earned yourself a follower)
For me it's easier to think of the duplets and sextuplets as being in 3/4 time so you're switching from triple to duple meter (feel the piece as being three beats per measure - most of the time each one of those beats is divided into three even parts but the duplets and sextuplets divide the beats into two equal parts). Try clapping the rhythms, either going from triplets to duplets or duplets to triplets and with a metronome at a slow speed (60 bmp or slower). Then try playing with the metronome and when you get to the duplets and sextuplets just pretend it's 3/4 time and it's just like playing regular eighth notes. Hope this helps.
thank you man! While it may not make a difference i like to count the duples by skipping the first and last + so i think 1...2+3...4...5+6...7...8+9... it just seems to hit the groove better for me idk why. hard not to swing it after all those years in jazz band lol
I wonder if this piece (and many others for that matter) was strictly and absolutely meant to be played in the exact and precise way it has been recorded on paper. I hear many different renditions and each one seems to be reflective of the players perception of the piece. Is the exact timing just a guide or a strict absolute?
Bourne Accident Exactly. I don't understand why anyone would bother counting especially in classical music. Counting will just make you play it like a robot would play it, taking out all the emotion of the piece. All these video tutorials that i've stumpled upon about this piece are pretty useless to me. Even saw one where a guy has made about a hundred videos on just this piece deciphering the notes. Crazy o.O What i would like is a tutorial offering me fingering tips, so i can learn to play it with correct fingering. Not how to read the notes or how to count it and play it like a robot.
Demonwhisper .....?? Understanding the count is an important step in understanding the music. Just as understanding the correct notes are. Once these aspects (and others) are understood, then we can start to discuss music. Music =Pitch/Time
"Debussy always demanded absolute accuracy and fidelity to his written instructions. He said his music needed nothing for perfect correctness of style except a faithful interpreter. He was particularly insistent about rhythmic precision and required his pupils to practice with the metronome. His development of rhythmic patterns is nearly unprecedented and is often quite complex; his notation is very precise and must be scrupulously followed." (Margery Halford, Debussy: An Introduction to his Piano Music", Alfred)
I’m learning this currently. The timing makes it wayyyy better. Yes there are renditions that have different dynamics and a little different speed, but it’s all in 9/8
It would have been a good idea to write out the rhythm to a part of this out on a piece of paper and zoom in to that showing the counting beneath it. This way viewers could see it visually and you would not be violating copy right rules. If you showed the rhythm just to the bits and pieces that you demonstrated it might be easier for some people to see.
Professor Josh, I only have access to youtube. Would it be possible for you to write down the numberings of the left and the right hand of measure 19 of Debussy's Clair de Lune. I listened but I got interrupted many times. The half note is worth 6 and half beat and it is held while the other five notes on the left hand make it to count for a total of six. Anyhow, I need to fully understand this 6 notes of measure 19. You are a genius! How can you duplicate what we students do wrong so right? I guess we can not get away with mistakes in counting, you are hitting the nail on the head. Thank you very much, Sarah
Might be good to mention the spots where you play 8 beats worth of music in 6 beats and/or 3 in 2, it's not obvious to someone just counting out the 9/8 time
Do you have any tips for fingering or in general for the 16th note runs in the left hand starting at measure 27? Does the Right hand play the 2 or 3 notes that are on the treble clef from the runs? I've been trying to tackle this piece for a while, but I get frustrated and end up putting it aside.
great video but I'm not sure if you explained how to actually mark a 9/8 rhythm in general. Or at least this particular piece. I'm assuming a strong first 123 proceeded by two weak ones 123, 123. or perhaps a strong 123 then a semi-weak 123 and lastly a weak 123. or maybe strong-weak-semi-weak. I'm just not entirely sure.
i can bet a lot of money that 20th century piece with the 5/16 time sig. was the Rite of Spring... that's a nightmare to conduct if you're not a conductor and you have a bit of free time on your hands...! developing from your opening explanation of time signatures though, things start getting groovy when you come across time signatures like 4/5 and 7/12!
it's a good idea to learn how to count this piece, though playing it that way religiously would be pretty lifeless. when you add rubato you're not playing it that strictly. this piece is in 3, sometimes alternating between triple and duple meter. as it's a piece of impressionism, even the 3 can be vague at times. but it's always good to learn the rules first before "adjusting" them to your likes. thanks for your videos.
Why not just play the music? Is it just me or are you over-complicating this with all the discussion of measures and counting beats and such? Takes the joy out of it. Just play it.
If that's the case musicians could never play ensemble. If you don't get beats how could you ever syncopate? If you can't count then you will miss the composer's intentions. Do you really think how you "feel" is of more worth than the composer's intentions? That's hubris. To bring your own interpretation, first you must be able to play what's on the page and even highly experienced musicians will tell you that when they revisit a piece after some time, they will sometimes find details that they missed the first time around. There is such a thing as rubato, but to do that well requires understanding and preserving the written rhythmic structure.
*YES!* I have had such a hard time counting duples and your explination has made this so much easier. *THANK YOU!!!!* 6 months of my life i've put into this piece...
Mark Williams Hi Mark - so glad it helped. This piece is really tough when starting out, but I've seen so many students get it perfect when they start counting out loud. Have a great week!
"If you're not annoyed by now you have the patience of Job" Haha Love it! LOL
"Debussy always demanded absolute accuracy and fidelity to his written instructions. He said his music needed nothing for perfect correctness of style except a faithful interpreter. He was particularly insistent about rhythmic precision and required his pupils to practice with the metronome. His development of rhythmic patterns is nearly unprecedented and is often quite complex; his notation is very precise and must be scrupulously followed." (Margery Halford, Debussy: An Introduction to his Piano Music", Alfred)
My daughter is learning this beautiful piece. But counting is not easy for her. So, here I am, relearning to guide her in correctly. You help us tons to understanding. Wish her teacher would do the same as you do. Count Precisely to go far.
Thank you very much. I always enjoy your guidance. Plus, you are a very very handsome ❤️❤️❤️
Honestly wouldn't have thought it was in 9/8. Good thing I watched this before beginning to learn the piece. Thanks Josh, you're a cool dude.
you need a good glass of water after all that counting, Josh. Cheers! Private Joe of the army sure is happy he will not have you as his drill Sergeant. But then, imagine the US marine corps marching on the rythm of Debussy's Clair de Lune, and a smile comes on my face.
This is so helpful, I know I'm like 3 years late seeing this video, but thanks so much!!! Really helpful with the double triplets dividing 6 bits into the 9 beats and with the basics too. Really appreciated Josh. :)
Dude. Thank you so much. For years I have asked this question. Subdivision solves Everything. So simple. Its actually quite hard but im just learning it right now. Thank you again. Next is all the other complex rhythms.
Thanks Josh. That was helpful.
I started playing piano by ear before I started taking lessons in first grade. Continued lessons into college. It's been decades since I had a teacher.
Several years ago, I tackled this piece. Instead of counting the eighth notes one through nine, I found it to flow nicely counting the eighth notes in three groups of three: 1-and-a 2-and-a 3-and-a... I know it sounds a bit like Laurence Welk starting the band, but it worked for me.
I have been counting only numbers to 9 ao far, but now I gotta add "and" at each end! Thank you so much for valuable tips!
Thanks, I needed this!
Good Lord thank you so much
I found it very helpful to understand the rythm of this song. Thanks!
Was just looking for someone to confirm I was thinking about the Duplets correctly! Thank you so much! Your tips about the sextuplets helped so much as well.
this is so helpful, thank you so much, you life saver!!!
I'm learning this on the harp, it was so good to see how you had broken the duplets down especially from bar 19 and the return to the 8 notes. Great tutorial.
I think you did a great job in explaining something that must have also tested your patience and endurance. I know it must not have been easy for you. Well done!
I'm learning this for my HSC (final school exams in Australia) on classical guitar using J. Edward's extremely crazy guitar arrangement. And I've been searching for ages on a very easy to understand explanation on counting 9/8 and duples in Clair de lune specifically. This was extremely helpful!
You're an excellent teacher Josh, keep it up! (you've earned yourself a follower)
Angus Murray Thanks Angus! I'm glad you found it helpful
I always just did the rhythm in this piece by "guestimate," without counting. Next time I try it I'm going to count. Very helpful - thanks!
thank you! i felt so confused about it even with a metronome. and after watching this i can see it clearly now.
Thanks Josh. Wonderful lesson
INFINITELY HELPFUL
Thanks for the video, Josh!
I've always wanted to learn this piece but have been intimidated by the timing. I'll give it another go.
You are highy energetic and happy in this video :-). Thanks for sharing
This video is so helpful🙏
For me it's easier to think of the duplets and sextuplets as being in 3/4 time so you're switching from triple to duple meter (feel the piece as being three beats per measure - most of the time each one of those beats is divided into three even parts but the duplets and sextuplets divide the beats into two equal parts). Try clapping the rhythms, either going from triplets to duplets or duplets to triplets and with a metronome at a slow speed (60 bmp or slower). Then try playing with the metronome and when you get to the duplets and sextuplets just pretend it's 3/4 time and it's just like playing regular eighth notes. Hope this helps.
thankyou!!!
Great breakdown, thanks!
thank you man! While it may not make a difference i like to count the duples by skipping the first and last + so i think 1...2+3...4...5+6...7...8+9... it just seems to hit the groove better for me idk why. hard not to swing it after all those years in jazz band lol
I wonder if this piece (and many others for that matter) was strictly and absolutely meant to be played in the exact and precise way it has been recorded on paper. I hear many different renditions and each one seems to be reflective of the players perception of the piece. Is the exact timing just a guide or a strict absolute?
Bourne Accident Exactly. I don't understand why anyone would bother counting especially in classical music. Counting will just make you play it like a robot would play it, taking out all the emotion of the piece. All these video tutorials that i've stumpled upon about this piece are pretty useless to me. Even saw one where a guy has made about a hundred videos on just this piece deciphering the notes. Crazy o.O What i would like is a tutorial offering me fingering tips, so i can learn to play it with correct fingering. Not how to read the notes or how to count it and play it like a robot.
Demonwhisper
.....?? Understanding the count is an important step in understanding the music. Just as understanding the correct notes are. Once these aspects (and others) are understood, then we can start to discuss music.
Music =Pitch/Time
"Debussy always demanded absolute accuracy and fidelity to his written instructions. He said his music needed nothing for perfect correctness of style except a faithful interpreter. He was particularly insistent about rhythmic precision and required his pupils to practice with the metronome. His development of rhythmic patterns is nearly unprecedented and is often quite complex; his notation is very precise and must be scrupulously followed." (Margery Halford, Debussy: An Introduction to his Piano Music", Alfred)
I’m learning this currently. The timing makes it wayyyy better. Yes there are renditions that have different dynamics and a little different speed, but it’s all in 9/8
Nice tie 🤘
It would have been a good idea to write out the rhythm to a part of this out on a piece of paper and zoom in to that showing the counting beneath it. This way viewers could see it visually and you would not be violating copy right rules. If you showed the rhythm just to the bits and pieces that you demonstrated it might be easier for some people to see.
Professor Josh,
I only have access to youtube. Would it be possible for you to write down the numberings of the left and the right hand of measure 19 of Debussy's Clair de Lune. I listened but I got interrupted many times. The half note is worth 6 and half beat and it is held while the other five notes on the left hand make it to count for a total of six. Anyhow, I need to fully understand this 6 notes of measure 19. You are a genius! How can you duplicate what we students do wrong so right? I guess we can not get away with mistakes in counting, you are hitting the nail on the head. Thank you very much, Sarah
Might be good to mention the spots where you play 8 beats worth of music in 6 beats and/or 3 in 2, it's not obvious to someone just counting out the 9/8 time
Do you have any tips for fingering or in general for the 16th note runs in the left hand starting at measure 27? Does the Right hand play the 2 or 3 notes that are on the treble clef from the runs? I've been trying to tackle this piece for a while, but I get frustrated and end up putting it aside.
great video but I'm not sure if you explained how to actually mark a 9/8 rhythm in general. Or at least this particular piece. I'm assuming a strong first 123 proceeded by two weak ones 123, 123. or perhaps a strong 123 then a semi-weak 123 and lastly a weak 123. or maybe strong-weak-semi-weak. I'm just not entirely sure.
Hurt my head when someone mentioned jazz
Good stuff starts at 6:01
i can bet a lot of money that 20th century piece with the 5/16 time sig. was the Rite of Spring... that's a nightmare to conduct if you're not a conductor and you have a bit of free time on your hands...! developing from your opening explanation of time signatures though, things start getting groovy when you come across time signatures like 4/5 and 7/12!
the second page says tempo rubato, so I just play it little slower, then the tempo has nothing to do with me!
it's a good idea to learn how to count this piece, though playing it that way religiously would be pretty lifeless. when you add rubato you're not playing it that strictly. this piece is in 3, sometimes alternating between triple and duple meter. as it's a piece of impressionism, even the 3 can be vague at times. but it's always good to learn the rules first before "adjusting" them to your likes. thanks for your videos.
Omg...this is so damn confusing!
Copyrights do not apply to educational instruction.
+Scott Lum yeah, but if he showed the sheet on screen, then countless people could read the sheets for free. But they are sold to make money.
lololol...where do i start?...this HAS to be a spoof or some kind of piss take? (if i'm wrong then i'm willing to listen to ANY explanation.)
Why not just play the music? Is it just me or are you over-complicating this with all the discussion of measures and counting beats and such? Takes the joy out of it. Just play it.
Its very important to know the counting. Once you got it down you can put emotion in it. If its off rhythm. It sounds weird
less tolk more play
who came from the evil within
"Beats" are for losers. Your supposed to play music from how you feel, not how people tell you.
Right, totally ignore Debussy and unleash another retarded "personal rendition" on the internet...
If that's the case musicians could never play ensemble. If you don't get beats how could you ever syncopate? If you can't count then you will miss the composer's intentions. Do you really think how you "feel" is of more worth than the composer's intentions? That's hubris. To bring your own interpretation, first you must be able to play what's on the page and even highly experienced musicians will tell you that when they revisit a piece after some time, they will sometimes find details that they missed the first time around. There is such a thing as rubato, but to do that well requires understanding and preserving the written rhythmic structure.
John Dale Somebody can’t count!
The guide lines are for people with very little natural talent. Bless my metronome!
Lol, I'm not sure if this is a real or troll comment ; )
dis suc
Wow thank you