An Analysis of Clair de Lune (For Casual Music Fans)

[@CSifjrixhrj]

The composition blows me away. It's always amazed me that someone could find something like this inside himself and have the capacity to put it on paper and play it on a piano. It's unique, doesn't resemble a lot of what probably comes to mind most obviously when thinking about classical music or piano music. It's outside the box. I'm really enthralled by this piece (or part of a piece). Nice video.

[@darraghdomnaigh5178]

Along with Un Sospiro and Liebestraum no.3 by Liszt

[@alfredthaddeus2137]

Instablaster...

[@Whatamood]

i have the same feeling about ballad no 4 or ballad no 1 or op 48 no 1 by chopin. you just cant quite comprehend how it is possible for a human being to write this.

[@dilawarhussain5109]

If I ever time travel I wanna hug Debussy for introducing this masterpiece, growing up with depression this tune has always been my go to, to ease my mind and calm myself.

[@Omlet221]

If I listen to a song when I'm depressed it will just ruin the song for me

[@modernlovers77]

It's quite amazing his use of silence. Nothing affects me more than.. or I should say, tugs at my soul more earnestly than.. an appropriately timed pause or silence.

[@totallynotprom1036]

Clair de Lune always makes me incredibly emotional.

[@fadthetic]

Same. Every time I hear it in a movie, I'm going to love the movie because it has Clair de Lune in it.

[@ricardootiniano8315]

It feels as if you want to grab something with your hand but it just keeps vanishing or breaking up and you can only hold its essence. Great series of videos, subscribed!

[@indigodragon0613]

The beginning of the b section is my favorite. Something about the rolling lower notes and how they relate to what the right hand is doing is so beautiful and gives me goosebumps.

[@jclcrow2621]

Clair de Lune is amazing for how modern it sounds. It's like film scoring before films.

[@samlivermore8709]

Great choice for the photos over the examples. Many people believe that Debussy was inspired by painters of the time he was around. You really captured that idea. Great video! :)

[@PianotvNet]

You can thank the editor +Septobus for that! :)

[@asielsmith6007]

Noah , that's what I've watched and read a few times!

[@jacquesaubin4454]

He was inspired by Symbolist artists and poets, such as Mallarme and Verlaine.

[@jimkella]

I would love to get a list of all the artwork used

[@ves9452]

Fav song 🤩🤩

[@spectralmelodies5979]

Perhaps Claire De Lune is the quiet moment behind stage when the clown wishes people could see them as a person.

[@Mrfailstandstil]

Then he should wash off his makeup and go and meet his friends or go and meet new people it's really not that hard

[@spectralmelodies5979]

@@Mrfailstandstil it really is, I accidentally replaced my meds with viagra...help

[@spectralmelodies5979]

@Claude-Achille Debussy cool

[@spectralmelodies5979]

@Claude-Achille Debussy I can play it you can spell it I guess we both can do things.

[@01123581321341]

Always grabs your heart whenever you hear this piece. Beautiful and simplistic yet contains such emotion much like the piano itself. Your musical insights were really interesting - thankyou!

[@senatorlainez]

Loved this. Sometimes music grabs you and won’t let go depending on what you’re going thru at the moment. This happened to me with Clair du Lune recently and I listened to this piece for over an hour straight. It did touch my soul and it keeps doing it every time I hear it. Music has a very distinct ability to connect to our hearts and exacerbate dark times, or uplift you in others. Thank you for your video.

[@rainzane3094]

Thank you so much. I struggle so much trying to understand musical composition and this helped me so much on this beautiful piece for school.

[@curtpiazza1688]

Wow...great presentation ! Love the artwork in the background!

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

This young lady has very vibrant and expressive eyes. Great for conveying information.🙄🎶🎹🎶Play On

[@markhuling7478]

Always enjoyed Clair de Lune and French impressionist paintings, putting the two together was over the moon.

[@ShasakRaina]

I love your videos. Your passion is right there in your voice and your eyes. Very infectious.

[@veronicanicholls7132]

I agree! awesome awesome!

[@e.v.martinez5083]

Love your explanations and style of presentation. You know what you are talking about and your explanations are within the grasp of the masses, and like you said, you someone wants something more the can find lots of more technical information out there. Thanks.

[@JosefFoti]

Somehow I came to the conclusion that today is the perfect day to start to learn it, don't ask me why. But this video was one of the many things today that helped me realize just how much I love this piece! So thank you for it :)

[@operationblackoutsecondinc5296]

the concept behind this piece is beautiful in it and of its self .

[@guillaumelafleche9477]

Please keep talking about the many beautiful masterpieces from this composer. Music theory partly goes over my head and I can barely keep up with the concepts, but still it's interesting especially when discussing music that moves me. I grew up listening to mostly Mozart when it comes to classical, then I discovered prog rock, but nothing really comes close to Debussy to fall asleep and take you straight into dreamland. Love it. Great channel.

[@BacklogBattle]

I was looking for any analysis on the song since I wanted to use it for a short narrative game I’m making and I’m now convinced that while many media have borrowed this song that it’s a perfect fit with the one I’m making. I’m not a sub on your channel, but I hope this series continues beyond this video as I learned a lot and you discussed it extremely well. Thank you for making this!

[@BorisPoludo]

so beautiful. thank you.

[@dawn871213]

I loved this song, glad that you give us more detailed back story and analysis to the song. I am currently learning to play this song. Your insights help me grasp the feeling better. I hope I don’t ruin the song.

[@goaway2174]

What a beautiful piece of music! This and Gymnopedie 1 are fantastic! Thank you!

[@RtB68]

Watch clips on Gymnopedie No 1 and the art work of Edward Cortez and be transported to a time long gone...

[@hipharpist]

What a great video! Thank you for creating this - both for musicians and non-musicians. I'm a composer and you're inspiring me to create videos that deconstruct my own music and let people inside the structure this way. Thank you so much for taking the time and using your special insight and skills to create this! What a great resource.

[@borregof]

I just started learning this piece and I'm so glad I found your channel. Your insight is very helpful!

[@PianotvNet]

I'm glad! Thanks for the comment. :)

[@ViolaRrecaj-ie5gc]

I've grown up listening to Clair de lune and right now I decided to start working on it seriously ,and I started to find a lot of things that I didnt notice ,its kind of like player's lucky thing .Playing it and listening to it are really different though .This piece made me realize a lot of things and I think its one of them that you never forget and have a tradition playing it especially at night .I'm still reading it its 80% finished with the text and all ,but its gonna take a while till I finally connect my heart to it strongly and understand it the best.Really happy working on this :))

[@LWPC7]

Great stuff

[@awonddy]

It’s a MASTERPIECE

[@timg544]

Wow I LOVE THIS!!! I didn't know anything about how the songs connects to the poem and how composers frequently do this. More videos like this please :)))

[@veronicanicholls7132]

You are absolutely awesome!

[@freddiempanga5513]

A genuinely gorgeous piece of music

[@reginaldrenoir]

I'm watching your video as I'm falling asleep. This is one of my favorite songs. My mother named me after the impressionist Renoir. It was a joy hearing the song with your chosen visuals.

[@yeeunkwon2399]

I love your analysis!!!

[@Shadowkey]

I rarely comment on videos, but just wanted to say these are really amazing. Keep up the good work :)

[@JamesWHurst]

Thank you for this, pianoTV. This represents more musical education than I am capable of today - but it is thrilling to following along with you. Strange. Now I feel that I like the piece more. To be frank - that one where the notes flow, like a wave down the scale, is my absolute favorite, and most of the rest of it was just filler for me. But now, it's become of deeper interest. Thank you -- I admire the depth of your understanding in this

[@taushabentz]

This was awesome!!! Thank you so much. I am using this for a music masterpiece lesson in my daughter's 5th grade class. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@swordsinging1709]

Very excellent focuss on the way Debussy as an artist refused to allow convention chain himself into resolve. You did a really great job, in a soft manner; pointing out the technical nuances employed. Thank you so much. It brought my day into a full circle 😊 I bet Brian Eno would appreciate this piece.

[@danadroubi6409]

i like ur taste in music and the way you choose piece of notes in the sheet and then say "these are my favorites" ... i almost can follow a musical sheet but i worked on ,my favorites in Liszt's 12 transcendental etude which i adore!! thanks !

[@bjb0808]

Loved it! Absolutely loved your analysis.

[@alexd9361]

Wow amazing thanks for making this video. I fricking love this piece. 1 of my all time favorites.

[@Amanda-qw8fk]

This video has been so useful! I'm currently preparing for the 'discussion' element of my DipLCM performance diploma and this has really helped me understand the piece. Thank you!!

[@minnesotalakes2062]

Nice to hear some commentry on this beautiful piece of music. You explained it in a way someone like myself, (who doesn't play) can easily understand.

[@PianotvNet]

I'm glad to hear that, thanks! :)

[@operationssuperstar]

Absolutely lovely! This is one of my favorite songs to listen to, and it was an incredibly thorough journey through the concepts in the music theory!

[@thomasdempsey3506]

Excellent Analysis

[@fredericchopin7332]

Lol, Auto-Captions translated "Suite Bergamasque" as "Shut Burger Mask"

[@arianna7840]

I went on the comment section because I wanted to write this ahahahah

[@MultiCappie]

Oh, hi Chopin.

[@dilawarhussain5109]

It said "sweet burger mask" for me 😂

[@yeojunjeon5116]

lol

[@Albert_XXI]

and "WC" as "Debussy"...

[@tygeryang387]

I enjoyed this. Please do more.

[@HughTrudeau]

I love the piece and I love your presentation and analysis. As usual you bring the music to life for people like me who are not musically skilled.

[@mikecipriani7495]

I would like to see some detailed analysis of these pieces.

[@qi2323qi]

Outstanding video...enjoyed it from beginning to end! Thank you for doing this...I look forward to watching more of your videos!!!

[@jaysftw]

I like how this piece is different than others, it's very calm and relaxing. I'm definitally going to try to play Clair de Lune. Thanks for posting this video!

[@PianotvNet]

+JaysFTW Tons of luck to you! It's fun to play, and definitely a challenge!

[@VeganVagabond2025]

Great video 👍

[@bobbycurie]

Thank you! I just was practicing this! I am getting back into piano seriously after YEARS of on-and-off type stuff, AND now trying to take it seriously!!! This is one of the the two serious Classical (in the Genre since) that I am practicing, ands will approach my Church Choir Director about some lessons. I love this piece and always have, it relaxes my like few other pies have, and really, do love your video. While working on good technique of course, I still wan to play the "Spirit" in the song if you will, the spirit of the piece. That goes for any piece really that I play or practice though.

[@PianotvNet]

Cool! Thanks for the comment, and have fun with it!

[@bobbycurie]

Thank ya Ma'am! I am and I shall!

[@rootykazooty351]

@Bobby i hope you've overcome the comfort eating. Try to find something healthier than pies to relax you, or your fingers will get too fat for the keys.

[@missmusic8879]

Thanks for posting this!! I will be playing this piece in next year's recital, I'm working on this piece now.

[@hippityhoppity5035]

How was it?

[@bjb0808]

loved the video. this is perhaps my favorite piece. i think i tear up every time i hear it. i would definitely would like more of this kind of analysis for the casual music fan. though you make it sound so simple, but all i can do at this point in my knowledge (or lack thereof), is simply sit back and go, "uh huh, uh huh, right, got that!" lol. thank you!

[@Birch37]

This is perfect thank you. I'm a Grade 3-4, mostly self-taught and I'm 33% this piece

[@jherbranson]

Thank you, that was great!

[@galuhcendana2013]

I've learned a lot! Thank you, I'm just an average music listener but now i can enjoy it more because of the interpretation

[@rainbug7]

Baekhyun and Debussy... taste

[@galuhcendana2013]

@@rainbug7 if you know both then you've got the same taste😏👌👌

[@Canyoudigityesyoucan]

Totally beautiful

[@EE-hu9zx]

Very nicely done. You really are good at understanding and explaining the historic/personal origins as expressed in a technical/musical framework which accounts for how the piece is felt and understood. Not many who can do that, and you seem to have such a joy and ease. I'm just beginning to learn this piece and pretty in the dark about all you touched on, so this really really helped. Bravo !!!

[@williammorriss-wells8995]

great video thank you :)

[@serendipiguous]

Good introduction for further learning. Thank you

[@Rmanpc2323]

"Super Hunky Dory!" Thanks for all your work!

[@richardcaley5603]

Thanks thought your analysis was great. I too narrated waterfall over the score.

[@Blunaticat]

Loved this video.

[@tatianavailoces7063]

Thank you thank you thank you so much for this analysis! It's incredibly helpful! You've helped me understand the wonderful layers of this piece. I've got a friend who is in love with this and I never understood, but this video helped me realize how beautiful it is. Thank you so much :)

[@johnburgess6572]

My favorite piece, it is just wonderful...thank you for your analysis.

[@nimapocalyse9569]

One of the reasons I love this piece is it's clearly the inspiration for Koji Kandos' "Great Fairy Fountain". 9:29 Such a wonderfully whimsical and mysterious piece

[@christopheryim4886]

Enchanting, informative and easy to understand. Thanks!

[@michaelraebermudez3515]

I really enjoyed this analysis! I think you should do more. I've never found a site online that does song analysis like this. It would be neat to see more of these in the future, especially for students trying to learn the song. Thanks!

[@philipcollura2669]

Thank You. Most enjoyed relating to art masterpieces.

[@sethhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

Great video. I really enjoyed the comparison between Clair de Lune and the impressionistic art/poetry. As a laymen when it comes to classical music, the video was easy to grasp without being patronizing or anything. I look forward to more!

[@PianotvNet]

+Seth Horn Awesome, that's what I was hoping for!

[@LoveLight114]

I love your interpretations and analysis or this beautiful piece. Yes, I agree Debussy's music reminds me of all of the impressionist paintings. Thanks for inserting some of them in the video. I just found your channel recently. I love it. Thank you so much for putting all of the hard work of sharing the beauty of piano music and techniques in your channel.

[@Haily-vj1gq]

I just found your channel and I love it! I play Clair de lune, and I really enjoyed this video. It's nice to know the history/theory behind a piece I love to play.

[@Haily-vj1gq]

Oooh btw I would love to see this kind of video made about liebestraum? :) thanks!

[@PianotvNet]

+Haily J Noted! Thanks for the comment. :)

[@minemilx2702]

The painting at 7:25 is just amazing

[@no1jacko13]

Well you picked an outsanding piece of music. I enjiyed every second of this video. For mee it was the right level of theory. Well done.

[@annar.2263]

Your are doing a fantastic job, thank you for making these videos ! Please keep on doing them !! :)

[@alexherrera1412]

Loved this vid. Not a musician so don't think of music in technical terms, but you've definitely hit a great balance between technical analysis and acknowledging the 'feel' of each section of the piece. Really enjoyable. Subscribed 👍

[@bluesdog3621]

Thank you, this is great, very nice job, I learned a lot about one of my favorite pieces of music.

[@keybladesrus]

Great video! Claire de Lune is such a beautiful piece. Even before I got an interest in classical music, I loved this piece the few times I heard it. I still don't know anything about music theory, but your analysis has given me an even greater appreciation for the piece, and I feel I understand it at least a little better now. Thanks you for the video! I would definitely love more of this nature!

[@PianotvNet]

+keybladesrus It really is a likable tune. Which is interesting because in general, Impressionist music isn't very well-known overall, like Ravel, Ibeniz, de Falla and Turina. Perchance this is just a particularly timeless piece!

[@ed63677]

Love your video:) i have been playing piano for many years but never thought of studying Debussy's pieces until you shared it with us!! Really appreciate your sharing on both the background and technical elements. Cheers!

[@AWESOMEPRESTON]

Very well done

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

I've watched many of your videos but with this one I felt the need to stop and write a comment. This was an awesome arrangement of explanation, music and Impressionist paintings. You did a great job!

[@enriquearmasmusic]

thank you for the gems!

[@styx85]

I'm not a piano player and I'm probably not going to subscribe just because most of your content is too piano specific to me, but I really enjoyed this video. It struck a nice balance between being informative and accessible, and it definitely has a broader appeal than just people learning to play the piano. Keep up the good work! :)

[@PianotvNet]

+styx85 Ha! I appreciate your honesty, and thanks for the comment!

[@jedi_mario]

Great video. Love these.

[@apollon456]

The orchestral interpretation is the most beautiful in my opinion

[@jsprite123]

Interesting how Debussy's Clair de Lune evokes the moonlight bathing a landscape, just like Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 evokes a rainy late afternoon...

[@jaredkaye3669]

I never really liked impressionistic music but reading the poem and analyzing the song have given me a better appreciation for it.

[@TofuHunden]

i didn't like impressionist music until 2005. I think movies had a big part of it.

[@casgroothuis5656]

Claire de lune for me describes live. In the first part it describes the birth of a baby that grows up and goes through its adolescence. In the second part it describes the live of a grown-up who overcomes difficulties in life, falls in love, makes career etc..Then in the third part it finds piece with him/herself becomes wise and in the end dies peacefully. Claire de Lune is life itself. Sofar I never met someone who heard that in this piece, but for me this is what Debussy tried to.bring across with Claire de Lune. Clair de Lune always fills my eyes with tears.

[@thegzak]

Great video! Would love to see your take on Liebestraum, that one also pulls at the soul, especially the third and final part

[@Carmelobrian]

This is my fav classical song and one of the reasons I wanted to learn to play piano. I'm only 2 years in and I don't think I'm close to even trying to play it. Thanks for this great video.

[@PianotvNet]

Me too! I was beyond enthused when I was finally able to learn it.

[@Dodoakakakadu]

I encourage you to try it! I learned the first Arabesque by Debussy in my first half year at the piano and Claire de Lune shortly after. It was the First Arabesque which made me fall in love with the piano and I just had to try it out. I play it often still and it is absolutely possible imo!

[@christianturk1908]

Try simplified version in Nancy Faber Big Time Level 4. Simplified but satisfying for early intermediate

[@theowinthamrin8677]

Rich Brian I think you should try it out first. It may take a year but eventually it will be really satisfying when you can play it

[@danielherrick3203]

I've been playing for a few years and I just started learning it because I told my piano teacher that I wanted to. I'm not off the first page yet but I think that I can do the b section because I have been blessed with like, amazing skill. So this will be the hardest song I know after I learn it, before it was Nocturne Op. No. 2 by Chopin. :/

[@jthai6149]

This video is really well done. I appreciate you making Debussy's genius accessible to a commoner like myself.

[@ryanconn2046]

Thank you! I learned stuff

[@arthurcabral9561]

It is a French poem to music, part of a larger piece of work. I find it remarkable, poignant and sublime.

[@axiomist4488]

My thoughts ? Aaahh, welll . . .You're Beautiful !

[@michaelimpromptu4363]

Very interesting, thank you so much!

[@Appollochan]

I really like this video, I'm learning a simplified version of this piece and it's nice to get some of the history behind it. :3

[@bootsarmstrong8421]

Debussey is my favorite composer. I bought the most amazing cd of his most popular works at the 99c store 25 years ago. The sound quality is outstanding, the technical execution is exquisite but the cd doesn't list who performed. Clare de Lune is one of my all time favorites.

[@Ale-ig6xm]

I played this piece for my middle school exam, it truly is beautiful :)