C. Debussy: Etudes no. 7 and 9 - Book II (Aimard)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Pierre-Laurent Aimard performs two etudes (from the second book) by Claude Debussy.
- No. 7: Pour les degrés chromatiques (for the chromatic scales)
- No. 9: Pour les notes répétées (for the repeated notes)
Enjoy!
Allmusic.com about the Book II:
Early in 1915, disheartened by the menace of World War I and gravely ill with cancer, Claude Debussy (1862-1918) nevertheless managed to compose. The fruits of his labors, twelve Études (study pieces or exercises), would be his last important works for solo piano, and would represent a distillation of the composer's musical legacy. It was appropriate for Debussy -the most original composer for the piano since Franz Liszt- to join the ranks of étude composers. Equally fitting was his dedication of his two volumes to Frederick Chopin, noting that the serious nature of the exercises was offset by a charm reminiscent of the earlier master.
The Études are divided into two books, each different in conception. Book 1 is devoted to exploring the technical problems and musical possibilities iherent in different intervals (thirds, sixths, etc.), while Book 2 engages in the exploration of musical syntax and style. In all, the Études are witty, challenging, and inspired. Though academic in nature, and perhaps less easily digested than other of Debussy's works, they fall closely on the heels of his popular Préludes and Images, and reflect the same aesthetic concerns: complex harmonies, fragmented melodic lines, and rich, colorful textures.
"Pour les degrés chromatiques" (For Chromatic Intervals), is an essay in the use of the chromatic scale, both compositionally and technically.
"Pour les notes répétées" (For Repeated Notes) requires a performer able to execute repeated tones with great rapidity while still maintaining the piece's humorous, scherzando atmosphere. One wry melodic fragment balances the otherwise relentlessly staccato texture.