Product Description
This beautifully laid out edition of Debussy's Suite Bergamasque has large, readable scoring as well as footnotes, performance suggestions, and historical information about the work. ... Read more

Product Description
This collection of Debussy's popular intermediate pieces includes ""Clair de lune,"" ""Reverie,"" ""La petit nègre,"" the complete ""Children's Corner Suite"" and other works. The introductory pages discuss symbolist poetry, French Impressionist painters and Debussy's musical style. A variety of photographs taken throughout the composer's life are also included. The Alfred Masterwork Library CD Editions conveniently combine each exceptional volume with a professionally recorded CD that is sure to inspire artistic performances. 64 pages.

Pianist Scott Price is the chair of the Piano Department at the University of South Carolina and holds a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Oklahoma. He has given master classes and recitals throughout the United States and Southeast Asia. His recordings are featured in Alfreds Premier Piano Course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Decent edition of Debussy's popular works
Haven't had it for long, but so far I'm pleased with this edition.The selections are great -- it has most of my favorites.I was a little disappointed that it didn't have Passepied, but I would have known that if I'd looked more carefully at the table of contents preview.

The binding is of the fold-and-staple variety, so it stays open well on the music stand (unlike editions with glue bindings).The music itself is clear and easy to read, with large dark noteheads appropriately spaced.Editorial marks for pedaling, fingerings, and translations of French are printed throughout in grey so it's easy to tell them from the actual music; some people might prefer a more "pure" edition, but I find the editorial suggestions useful.

I didn't even know this book came with a CD until it arrived, so it wasn't really a factor in my purchase.Overall the performances are good and very faithful to the music.You'll enjoy it if you don't already have one (or many!) recordings of Debussy's work, but I'll probably keep listening to my favorites (Pascal Roge, all the way!).

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AFTER MORE EXTENSIVE USE: Though I really like the print quality and presentation of this edition I've noticed some places where editorial comments like "RH" conflict directly with m.g. notations I've seen on other editions (Doctor Gradus), a few missing accidentals (Reverie), and other minor quibbles.I still recommend this edition for anyone familiar enough with Debussy's music to know when things aren't quite as they should be.If I were rating it now I'd probably dock it one star for these minor mistakes. ... Read more

Product Description
A major new critical edition of important standard repertory with 61 songs in 2 volumes. All songs are presented only in the original key, with no transpositions. All the song cycles and groupings appear in one of the two volumes. Years in preparation, this edition is based on the most reliable sources available in the world, with most of the research centered at the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris. Each song is presented with a line-by-line translation and full critical notes citing the research as it applies to specifics in the songs. Also includes a glossary of French terms. Contents: Nuit d'etoiles * Fleur des bles * Zephyr * Aimons-nous et dormons * Jane * Pierrot * Rondeau * FEte galante * Beau soir * FEtes galantes pour Madame Vasnier (Pantomime; En sourdine; Mandoline; Clair de lune; Fantoches) * Apparition * Recti et Air de Lia * Ariettes oubliees (C'est l'extase langoureuse; Il pleure dans mon coeur; L'ombre des arbres; Chevaus de bois; Green; Spleen) * Cinq poemes de Charles Baudelaire (Le balcon; Harmonie du soir; Le jet d'eau; Recueillement; La mort des amants) * Trois melodies (La beele au bois dormant; Voici que le printemps; Paysage sentimental). ... Read more

Product Description
Paris at the turn of the 20th century was obsessed with the interrelations of the arts. It was a time when artists and writers spoke of poetry as music, sounds as colors, and paintings as symphonies. The music of Claude Debussy, with its unique textures and dazzling colors, was the perfect counterpart to the bold new styles of painting in France. Paul Roberts probes the sources of Debussy's artistic inspiration, relating the "impressionist" titles to the artistic and literary ferment of the time. He also draws on his own performing experience to touch on all the principal technical problems for a performer of Debussy's piano music. His many suggestions about interpreting the music will be particularly valuable to performers as well as listeners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Chapters focus in depth upon Debussy's individual songs
Images: The Piano Music Of Claude Debussy Paul Roberts (professor of piano, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London) is a meaningful, superbly presented, in-depth analysis of the French piano music of artist and visionary Claude Debussy. Chapters focus in depth upon Debussy's individual songs and go into minute, deconstructive and comparative analysis, observing common threads in Debussy's work and that of other masters such as Chopin. A scholarly book deftly written at the college-graduate level, Images is highly recommended as the perfect companion book for a true connoisseur of Debussy's music. Two music CD's of Debussy's work, performed by Images author Paul Roberts, are intended as companions to Images but are sold separately.

A great book for pianists and listeners.
I would be able to write a more erudite review of this book if I had my copy beside me, citing examples of wonderful writing, interesting anecdotes and illuminating images.Unfortunately, I loaned it to my piano teacher,and she won't give it back!She has fallen in love with it.I think I mayhave to give her a copy as a gift if I ever want to see my copy again. PaulRoberts was here in Portland last June for the first Piano FestivalNorthwest.He gave a lecture, a master class and a piano recital.Hisabilities in all three areas are distilled into this book.He has studiedDebussy and the cultural "stew" of Paris during Debussy's life. He has studied Debussy's piano works and performs them sensitively.Andfinally he can explain all of this in a most entertaining manner, in personand in his writing. The book is not easy to read in a summertime-beachyway, but it is certainly not academic or pedantic.It is lively butthorough, engaging and thought provoking.It also contains many examplesand musical excerpts which can be studied with a view toward performance ofthe pieces.As an amatuer pianist, I can appreciate these sections withoutbeing able to perform the works, and my teacher takes the examples aspoints of departure or new interpretive ideas for works which she hasperformed in the past, but can now see in new ways.Of course, if you'venever heard of Debussy, I suppose you might have no use for this book. Otherwise, buy it. (I have no connection, family or business, with PaulRoberts.) ... Read more

Product Description
A major new critical edition of important standard repertory with 61 songs in 2 volumes. All songs are presented only in the original key, with no transpositions. All the song cycles and groupings appear in one of the two volumes. Years in preparation, this edition is based on the most reliable sources available in the world, with most of the research centered at the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris. Each song is presented with a line-by-line translation and full critical notes citing the research as it applies to specifics in the songs. Also includes a glossary of French terms. Contents: Deux romances (Romance: L'eme evaporee; Les cloches) * Les angelus * Trois melodies de Paul Verlaine (La mer est plus belle; Le son du cor; L'echelonnement des haies) * FEtes galantes, serie I (En sourdine; Fantoches; Clair de lune) * Proses lyriques (De rEve; De greve; De fleurs; De soir) * Trois chansons de Bilitis (La flte de Pan; La chevelure; Le tombeau des Naiades) * Dans le jardin * FEtes galantes, serie II (Les ingenus; Le faune; Colloque sentimental) * Trois chansons de France (Rondel: Le temps a laissie; La grotte; Rondel: Pour ce que Palisance) * Le promenoir des deux amants (Crois mon conseil, chere Climene; Je tremble en voyant ton visage) * Trois ballads de Francois Villon (Ballade de Villon a s'amye; Ballade que Villon feit a la requeste de sa mere; Ballade des femmes de Paris) * Trois poemes de Stephane Mallarme (Soupir, Placet futile, Evantali) * Noel des enfant qui n'ont plus de maisons. ... Read more

Product Description
Born near Paris in 1862, Claude Debussy was one of the most influential composers of his age, affecting profoundly the works of later generations of composers, both in his native France and elsewhere. He was trained at the Paris Conservatoire, and decided there on a career as a composer rather than as a pianist, his original intention. His highly characteristic musical language, thoroughly French in inspiration, extended the contemporary limits of harmony and form, with a remarkably delicate command of nuance, whether in composition for the piano or in the handling of a relatively large orchestra. Considered by many to be the most important composer of piano music since Chopin, Debussy also produced a single opera, "Pelleas et Melisande", which brought an entirely new tone to the genre. This, however, was his only completed opera and instead his work predominantly comprises orchestral pieces, piano sets and songs. The orchestral works include "The Three Nocturnes" (1899), "The Three Images" (1912) and "The Ballet Jeux" (1913).Debussy's piano music begins with works that, Verlaine fashion, look back at earlier musical styles with a modern cynicism (Suite bergamasque, 1890; Pour le piano, 1901). But then, as in the orchestral pieces, Debussy began to associate his music with visual impressions of the East, Spain, landscapes etc, in a sequence of sets of short pieces. His last volume of "Etudes" (1915) interprets similar varieties of style and texture purely as pianistic exercises and includes pieces that develop irregular form to an extreme, as well as others influenced by the young Stravinsky (a presence too in the suite En blanc et noir for two pianos, 1915). A planned set of six chamber sonatas was sadly cut short by the composer's death from cancer in 1918. Perhaps the most influential composer of his generation (and certainly one who provoked much contemporary controversy), Debussy's influence continues to be felt in the twenty-first century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

AN INFORMATIVE BIOGRAPHY OF A VERY INFLUENTIAL COMPOSER
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) is the subject of this fairly brief, but very engaging and well-illustrated biography.Debussy's aesthetic was unique: "He wanted to create, he said later, music 'whose form was so free it would sound improvised.'"

The music of Debussy is given detailed, yet not too technical explanations.E.g., "One of Debussy's accomplishments in Pelleas et Melisande was the extraordinary balance that he achieved between orchestra and text, and the way in which he allowed the 'expressive force' of the words to control the dramatic action."

His relationships with other composers are also chronicled."Erik Satie was a continual presence throughout Debussy's great creative maturing of the 1890s.He witnessed it, worshipped it, and to a large extent was involved in it..."Debussy was encouraging of the young Igor Stravinsky (twenty years younger than him), and "clearly found Le Sacre a deeply frightening challenge to his own hold on musical values."

Debussy's private life was sometimes chaotic and controversial.Concerning his "sudden" marriage in 1899, which was "An undoubted rebound from his depression, (that) was to end in disaster and led to the final withdrawing of Claude Debussy behind a screen of prickly taciturnity, from which he rarely emerged for the rest of his life."(Roberts notes that Debussy's first wife shot herself in the breast, attempting to kill herself after he left her.)

Overall, this is a fascinating biography for fans of Debussy and his music.

Good on Debussy's relationships, but little coverage of the music
Paul Robert's biography of the great French composer Claude Debussy fits in well with the other composer biographies published by Phaidon Press. It is 240 pages, lavishly illustrated, and focuses more on the life of Debussy than on the details of his music. Roberts is mainly focused on Debussy's relationships with the people in his life. His teachers, his friends and rivals, and his numerous wives and mistresses are presented. Roberts is able to report a great deal of these interpersonal dynamics by citing correspondence, many examples of which have only recently come to light. Roberts builds up a picture of Debussy as something of a man-child, unable to hold down a steady income or build a family, but nonetheless someone who made great and influential music.

I found the book useful for getting a chronology of Debussy's music. However, anyone looking to know more about the music, where Debussy may have taken inspiration for his striking innovations, and how these works were received would do better to seek out other resources.

Excellent Book on Claude Debussy.
I've been waiting for a book like this for a very long time and it seems like finally, the wait is over.
Paul Roberts' book on the French composer Claude Debussy is a well-researched and well-written document on this dynamic musical genius. Debussy's musical and personal life are discussed in detail without becoming overly pretentious. Roberts provides an inside look into Debussy's creativity as a composer as well as his life outside of music. It's almost like getting to meet Debussy in person and having a friend of his tell you his life story.
This book is definitely a must for the avid Debussy fan. Although I've been a fan of Debussy's music for well over 20 years, I have further appreciation for him and his music after reading this book. Because of this, it comes highly recommended. It's an excellent biography on a most excellent composer and musician. A Must-Read!!!

DEBUSSY: Rebel of French music
This book, CLAUDE DEBUSSY, is an excellent overview of Debussy's life.Because of the information and reading suggestions in the appendix, I am currently reading another one of the composer's life.This one, as mentioned by Paul Roberts, is excellent, also.Mr. Roberts' book is a welcome addition to my music history library and I am sure I will be referring to it in my opera history classes come September.It is a cut above the average bio.The comments are especially noteworthy!
Dr.Alan-Clarke Hudson ... Read more

Product Description
Debussy was not referring to "arabesque" in the form of a ballet term but rather to the meaning of "arabesque" as a piece with exquisite detail and clear repetitions of ideas and artistic balance. These pieces were written in 1888 during Debussy'searliest compositional period. ... Read more

Product Description
Victor Lederer explores the sophistication, refinement and inspirations of Debussy's music, pointing out subtleties that otherwise could take years of careful listening to fully appreciate. Includes a full-length CD of the maestro's masterworks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Plan to use Lederer's Debussy as textbook
I am a faculty member of Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Division and have taught a class on Debussy for many years.Lederer's Debussy is thorough, yet concise (144 pages) and speaks of the man in an informed historical context and his music in suitably descriptive terms, which lend impressive perspective to the listener.The opening chapter on Debussy's influences (before the biography in Chapter 2) is a clear indication at the outset of the seriousness of this study.While not a theoretical analysis, Lederer's vivid accounting of Debussy's oeuvre accurately portray the composer's own theory about music as quoted below:

"Who will discover the secret of musical composition?The sound of the sea, the curve of the horizon, the wind in the leaves, the cry of a bird, register complex impressions within us.Then suddenly, without any deliberate consent on our part, one of these memories issues forth to express itself in the language of music.It bears its own harmony within it.By no effort of ours can we achieve anything more truthful or accurate.In this way only does a soul destined for music discover its most beautiful ideas." - - Claude Debussy (1911)

The inclusion of a CD makes this book an excellent value and a perfect volume for understanding how best to listen to and better understand this "quiet revolutionary."

One note on accuracy: On page 29, Lederer states "the opening flute melody" of Faune recurs, however, he fails to mention this melody is played by the oboe, overlooking an important change in orchestral color.

A Superb Distillation
The first two chapters of this volume are alone worth the price of this book - having read a dozen books on Debussy, including the ones the author quotes throughout, this book is most worthy of praise. The author presents in succinct and concise terms the essence of Debussy's music itself - he brilliantly captures the very vitality of Debussy's musical idea or unique treatment fully stated in a very compact form.The CD included has many of the finest performances/interpretations available as well.

The balance of the book (majority of the volume) takes you through Debussy's catalog of works, with the author observing how these musical ideas are manifested - often including the "timing" on the CD where the reader/listener can follow along, replay, and examine closely.Debussy's musical treasures reveal themselves upon replaying, relistening - this gem of a book, rewards you even sooner.

His approach is perfect for any newcomer
Debussy's music ranks among the most challenging: his influence on other composers makes it essential to understand his approach, but typically music students find such analysis a daunting proposition. Not so Debussy: The Quiet Revolutionary, which pairs a cd of music with an analysis of the subtleties of his works and analyzing Debussy's approach and contributions. The author is a New York critic on music and culture: his approach is perfect for any newcomer to Debussy and is especially recommended for middle to high school students receiving a strong introduction on Debussy's art and achievement.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

wonderful series/book
I have some of the other books from this Unlocking the Masters series, and they are WONDERFUL!!!Not only are they factual and informative, but they are easy to read and really show you what to look/listen for in the music!It comes with a CD which has musical examples of pieces that are talked about in the book!This book is a wonderful tool for any student! ... Read more

Product Description
Many of Debussy's best-known pieces are assembled in this convenient, affordable collection. Includes: Children's Corner * Deux arabesques * Estampes * Hommage aHaydn * Images * L'isle joyeuse * Masques * Le petit negre * La plus que lente * Preludes, Books 1 and 2 (selections) * Reverie, Suite bergamasque (including "Clair de lune") * Suite: Pour le piano. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Clear pages, well bound, a good bargain
Glad I chose this edition. For my (totally amateur) purposes, Schirmer is just fine, and the price was certainly right. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the ultimate source for these beloved piano preludes by Debussy, in a newly engraved and researched critical edition from Durand, the original publisher of this music. This is the paperback edition based on the hardbound Complete Works of Claude Debussy. Includes a foreword in French and English. Printed on quality, ivory-colored stock, the book has a sewn binding for life-long use. ... Read more

Product Description
Composed between 1906 and 1908, the Children's Corner Suite was written to capture the essence of childhood with charm, grace and humor. Debussy's intention was to create moods and sensations and, utilizing his typical harmonic richness, he succeeds in an appealing and joyous fashion. This edition is based on not only the original autograph manuscripts but also on Debussy's sound recording of these pieces.

This exceptional volume is conveniently combined with a professionally recorded CD by Scott Price, which is sure to inspire artistic performances. Price is the chair of the Piano Department at the University of South Carolina and holds a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Oklahoma. He has given master classes and recitals throughout the United States and Southeast Asia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Quintessential Debussy
How nice to add a recording to Alfred's nicely formatted edition of these splendid pieces.Maurice Hinson's historical and performance notes are informative and help set the stage for each of these special and wonderful pieces. The level is mid to late intermediate;the set will extend a student both musically and technically, will be highly motivating since the pieces are captivating and will draw the performer into the wonderful palette of harmonies and colors that define Debussy. ... Read more

Product Description
Part biography, part criticism and part analysis, this fascinating study of one of music’s greatest geniuses is above all an authoritative commentary on the entire corpus of Debussy’s work for solo piano. Written with special insights for the performer.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Must for the Serious Music Library
This book is a must have for any serious pianist.I am a piano teacher and find the information invaluable to pass on to my advanced students. All the piano works of Debussy are included.The remarks are insightful and helpful to both understanding the intent of the compostion and the performance of the piece. I've been looking for a copy of this book for several years and was happy to have finally found it.

A new perspective
This book helped me gain a new perspective on Debussy's works and really helped prompt and inspire me as a Composition Major to emulate some of the devices and inspirations discussed in this book. Excellent read for anyone who knows and loves this great composer and the contributions he made to music.

helpful to pianists
This is a helpful book that gives you brief descriptions of all of Debussy's piano works.For pianists. ... Read more

Product Description
CLAUDE DEBUSSY- HIS LIFE AND WORKS Translated from the French by MAIRE and GRACE O BRIEN. Originally published in 1933. PREFACE: IN this book on Claude Debussy I have avoided all biographical details the publication of which, might be deemed premature and indiscreet. The secrets of his private life belong to those who shared it and who bear his name. For the purposes of this book I have made use only of such documents as were originally intended for publication or which have by chance become public property. To my mind, the really interesting points in the life of a musician are his works, his activities, and his influence on his contemporaries. The book which I published in 1928 under the title of The Theories of Claude Debussy, musicien franfais, supplements the present work, revealing as it does the composer s ideas on music given to the public between the years 1901 and 1916. I have made frequent use of Debussys published correspondence: his letters to Vasnier and Ernest Chausson ( Revue Musicale, December 1925 and May 1926) and to the publisher, Durand ( Paris, Durand, 1927). I have also drawn on the reminiscences published by the Revue Musicale, in May 1926 ( articles by: Raymond Bonheur, Paul Dukas, Robert Godet, Andre Messager, Gabriel Pierne, Henri de Regnier, Marguerite Vasnier, Paul Vidal). I have likewise utilized the recollections to which Maurice Emmanuel refers in his study on Telleas et Melisande ( Paris, Mellotte, 1926). Contents include: I. CHILDHOOD. THE CONSERVATOIRE ( 1862-83) . i II. THE PRIX DE ROME ( 1883-4) 22 III. THE VILLA MEDICI ( 1885-7); THE ENVOIS DE ROME ( 1885-90) 32 IV. RETURN TO PARIS ( 1887). INFLUENCES . . 49 V. THE FIRST COMPOSITIONS ( 1888-93) . . 66 VI. BEFORE PELLfiAS : THE QUARTET AND THE PROSES LYRIQUES ( 1892-9) . . .80 VII. & amp; lt; L APRfiS-MIDI D UN FAUNE ; THE NOCTURNES ; CRITIQUES ( 1894-1901) . . . .101 VIII. PELLfiAS ET MfiLISANDE ( 1892-1902) DEBUS SYISM 121 IX. CHAMBER MUSIC. C LA MER ( 1902-7) . . 152 X. VARIOUS COMPOSITIONS. LE CAS DEBUSSY ( 1907-10) ...... 181 XL IMAGES FOR ORCHESTRA; PRELUDES AND SONGS ( 1910-13) . . . . - 195 XII. DRAMATIC MUSIC, VARIOUS PLANS. LE MAR TYRE DE SAINT-SfiBASTIEN ( 1911) . . 217 XIII. JEUX. LA BOlTE A JOUJOUX ( 1913) . . 235 XIV. THE WAR. LAST YEARS ( 1914-18) . . .251 APPENDIX A ....... 274 B 274 C . . . - . . - 275. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS: Achille-Claude Debussy ( in 1867) . . . facing p. 2 Achille-Claude Debussy, while at the Conservatoire ( about 1874) ........ 10 New Year s Greetings to Madame Vasnier ( on the music of Mandoline) . . . . ,, 18 Music Facsimile ( from Le Gladiateur) . between pp. 24 and 25 Villa Medici ( 1885) ..... facing p. 32 Debussy at the house of Ernest Chausson, 1893 . . ,, 62 A few pages from the note-book of Maurice Emmanuel .... between pp. 84 and 85 Claude Debussy ( about 1895) .... facing p. 90 Claude Debussy ( about 1895) . . . - ,, 101 Letter to Pierre Louys . . . . ,, no Debussy at the house of Pierre Louys ( about 1895) . 112 Debussy at the piano ( about 1898) . . ,, 116 Claude Debussy ( about 1900) . . . ,, 121 Debussy and his first wife, Rosalie Texier ( about 1902) . ,, 124 At the time of Telleas et Melisande 138 Debussy, photographed by Pierre Louys ( about 1900) * ,, 15 Debussy, by Jacques-fimile Blanche ( 1903) - * 54 Letter to Jacques Durand ( August 1903) . . - ,, * 57 Debussy and his first wife, Rosalie Texier, at Bichain ( about 1902) ..... 158 Debussy at Pourville ( September 1904) . . - ,, 168 Debussy outside his home ( about 1910). . 212 Letter to Andr6 Halle& quot; ( 27 August 1913) - 240 One of the 363 themes in Roman de Tristan* Debussy s note for the Fourth of a projected Series of Six ^ Sonatas ..... Opening of the Finale of the Violin Sonata. ... Read more

Product Description
Often considered the father of twentieth-century music, Debussy was a visionary whose influence is still felt. This Companion offers new insights into Debussy's character, his environment and his music, including challenging views of the roles of nature and eroticism in his life and music. While works in all genres are discussed, they are considered through the themes of sonority, rhythm, tonality and form, with closing chapters considering the performance and reception of his music in the first years of the new century. ... Read more

Product Description
The early music of Claude Debussy was influenced by the work of Wagner, for whom he had great admiration. However, soon Debussy's music became more experimental and individualistic, as is clear in his first mature work Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun. Debussy quickly moved away from traditional techniques and produced the pictures in sound that led his work to be described as "musical Impressionism." This new biography--the first in English in 30 years--offers new insights into the life of this enigmatic composer, revealing a figure more seminal and revolutionary than previously thought. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Too Concise, Dry and Dull
This is unfortunately, a 'too' concise biography of Debussy which never really gives a sense of what the man was like, or the impact of his music on the twentieth century. A disappointment after a good experience with another book in the Cambridge music series.

too short for such a major musical figure
It is unfortunate that there is not more available on Debussy in English.This book, at only 167 pages (including pictures) hardly does him justice.Because it is so short, the book jumps from topic to topic at an alarming pace, hardly giving any details.The author's convoluted writing style does not help matters either.Unlike many other musical (or otherwise) biographies I've read, this one did not leave me satisfied.Hopefully the out-of-print book department will have something more complete on Debussy.

Depressed Composer
C. Debussy seems to have led a tortured and beleaguered life. His ideas regarding music were in conflict with the French music establishment. This created problems for him both professionally and personally. Financially,he struggled all of his life. Coming from rather humble beginnings, C.Debussy had a particular vision of music early in his career. He was bluntand identified with the impressionistic painters as well as the symbolistpoets. These artists were to become popular much later. Debussy died youngat the age of 55 of cancer. This biography is a little choppy in it writingstyle, but it does offer many examples of his ideas on many subjects. ... Read more

Product Description
A complex and hypnotic masterpiece of orchestral texture, La Mer (The Sea) features marvelously fluid rhythm and shimmering evocations of light, color and the sea itself. This miniature-score version is anunabridged republication of an authoritative French edition. Students and music lovers will find it a convenient and inexpensive choice for use in the classroom or concert hall.
Amazon.com Review
The exceptional French composer Claude Debussy (1862-1918)captured the quality of light playing off of water in his music. Ittook him two years to write this masterwork (1903-1905), which inthree movements--"From dawn to noon on the sea," "Play of waves," and"Dialogue of the wind and sea" captures both the soft appeal and thedark menace of the sea. There was no precedent for a composition ofthis scope, leaving Debussy to develop the chromatic language requiredto paint his complex portrait of an elemental force. Readers canexplore the ways in which he accomplished this with the aid of thispocket-sized full orchestral score from Dover. Inexpensive, sturdilybound, and with wide margins to facilitate note-writing, it is sizedfor home study or to take along to the concert hall. This series is agift to the serious musician or student, as Dover scores are alwaysreprints of out-of-copyright volumes. Because of this, readersshouldn't expect to find up-to-the-moment scholarship in them, butthey are a great bargain and a great study aid. The large glossary ofFrench musical terms is a real plus. --Sarah Bryan Miller ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Musical Mechanics
This is a cute little book of direct copies of one of the early editions of this work. If you like Debussy's atmosferes and orchestal colors, having this blueprint can provide you with insights on how the magic it's done. ... Read more