Debussy: Clair de lune | Menahem Pressler, piano

Drenched in the light of the moon: Claude Debussy’s “Clair de lune” is an ode to the night sky. It’s one of the French composer’s best-known pieces and it was given an emotional interpretation on 17 October 2012 at a concert in the Salle Pleyel in Paris by piano virtuoso Menahem Pressler (1923 - 2023), who was almost 90 years old at the time.
The French composer Claude Debussy (1862 - 1918) is a representative of musical Impressionism. Debussy was fond of subject matter from nature such as sea, clouds and snow and attempted to inject these phenomena of nature with musical character, whereby a formal freedom was of particular importance to him. Claude Debussy was an individualist who wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers. He started getting noticed in 1894 with the orchestral work “Prélude à l´après-midi d´un faune”; the final breakthrough came with the opera “Pelléas et Mélisande” premiered in 1902.
The piece “Claire de lune” is part of the “Suite bergamasque“ composed by Claude Debussy in 1890. It consists of four movements; “Clair de lune“ is the third of these. The piano suite was first performed in 1905. Claude Debussy often drew inspiration from the poetry of Paul Verlaine - sensitive, somber descriptions of the natural world in accordance with late 19th-century tastes. “Clair de lune” was also inspired by an eponymous poem by Verlaine. This particular movement of the suite is a frequent inclusion on concert programs and is exceedingly popular - not just on stage. “Clair de lune” also features on many movie soundtracks.
The soloist Menahem Pressler was born as Max Pressler in 1923 in the German city of Magdeburg. His family is Jewish. After the Nazis came to power he fled the Holocaust in 1939 with his parents, initially emigrating to Palestine and then to the US in 1940. The other members of his family were murdered by the Nazis. In the year 1946, the young Pressler won the Debussy International Piano Competition in San Francisco, and remained in California thereafter to continue his studies. In 1955, he founded the world-famous “Beaux Arts Trio”. The ensemble went on to make more than 50 recordings. Many musicians played with the trio until it gave its final concert in 2008. Pressler has also been performing as a soloist throughout his life.
Menahem Pressler once said: "I'm still hungry for music." And he remained that way on into old age. The piano virtuoso died in London in 2023 at the age of 99.
A production of LGM Télévision
© EuroArts 2012
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[@johnnyperea13]

I was lucky enough to be born into a house with music. My dad loves to play piano, and he wasn't the most talkative person, but when he started to play piano, you could feel him speaking to you. When I was 2 years old, he would sit me on his lap and play this song. When I was 14 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer, and they told him he wouldn't live to the end of the year (it was August) He lived for two more years, defying everything the doctors had told him. He died surrounded by his family, and his last words to me were, "never stop playing, can you please, play for me? And not forget me? Can you do that for me?" At his funeral, I was asked if I would play a song, and I chose to play this song, the song he played while I would sit on his lap. The song that could bring back a thousand memories. And now, 8 years later, I sat down at the piano with my beautiful 2 year old girl, who we decided to name Claire, and played this song for her.

[@janenichols3880]

So beautiful!❤

[@hugostiglitz6823]

Copy and pasted comment fake.

[@galinakrivulin6767]

So gracefully played! And being 94 piano virtuoso Menahem Pressler had a solo concert at our Walt Disney Concert Hall , he was amazing, one wouldn’t even think of his age. Four encores, standing ovation, the audience didn’t want to let him go. Unforgettable concert!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thanks for sharing this memory with us and our community!

[@galinakrivulin6767]

@@DWClassicalMusic My pleasure.

[@PattiSiebold]

Beautiful!

[@jonjoUTube]

Accuracy of those arpeggios was fn stunning. Like a machine but with a lightness/grace. Not like me to be impressed

[@ownSystem]

Age is a number skill is a lifetime

[@annabenditta]

this feels like a last embrace of a mother.

[@Farah-zd3th]

Wow

[@staffanolofsson8201]

I think you are right. An embrace it is.

[@marcob2137]

I embraced your momma last night!

[@zbuilder4664]

more like the last embrace of life, as the universe slowly and delicately takes you away

[@staffanolofsson8201]

@@zbuilder4664I dare to like your poetic words!

[@borispradel1037]

Once in a while KZbin algorithm gets it right. Thank you.

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

I think that is the best version of Clair de Lune I have ever heard. Such delicacy and feeling. I am off to explore this man’s recordings. Thank goodness there seem to be many.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@Ann12681]

I agree. This is the most exquisite version I have ever heard.

[@cwwiss1]

Only someone nearing the end with a life time of emotion and love could play that interpretation .

[@pippenlapue9643]

I agree beautifully done.

[@clearpassageministries2533]

My thoughts exactly. It pierced my soul ❤

[@lapinke1]

Something like this is worth living for

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Yes, let us hope…

[@marcelsheqeri9864]

Ja, ich denke auch

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Rest in Peace, dear Menahem Pressler. You have contributed to music, specially chamber music, a lot. We will never forget you. In your music you are still with us.

[@폴드-l9t]

1923 ~ 2023 R.I.P 🕊

[@lisas842]

I am in awe of this master pianist. There is a depth of emotion and purity here that is rarely achieved. It is an absolute joy to listen to this performance!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@damianatejerina7144]

Lo mismo pensé,nadie lo interpreta asi😢❤

[@drmacmillon]

And the way he lovingly caresses the keys before bringing them to life as only a master can.

[@carolcaley6860]

Music for the Heart and Soul.❤

[@jcomprecycling7550]

He was the piano teacher of my daughter's piano teacher.

[@alisalegato]

Повезло ❤

[@afip4n6doc]

He was also the teacher of my son’s teacher ❤

[@heronssm]

@@afip4n6doc you guys are blessed!!

[@VianoMusicAcademy]

He taught one of my teachers as well

[@23matei]

Ce bucurie ca l-ati avut in preajma!❤❤❤❤❤

[@womensintuition]

It’s the prettiest, most expressive rendition I’ve ever heard. Best expression of this piece ever. Ever.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@debbieosborn9464]

These old hands may tremble at times but they will forever know the music! He is the music ❤️

[@Charlimarteli]

Just like Lahey WAS the liquor, right?

[@marigordadze]

ამ ხელებით ის ეფერება მუსიკას.

[@maywednesday]

His touch, tone, and its gentleness is not coming from technique but his humanity. I don’t want to say like just he’s a genius. He’s just a great human.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

In that you are perfectly right. Regarding his history, he was a great human, and an inspiration for all of us.

[@MarinaBragina-po3ln]

This version made me shed a tear. A golden standard of Clair de Lune, so masterfully played!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@redbarchetta8782]

Ditto.

[@SCHEPPEL]

Yes, what a fantastic rendition 🌿

[@garysze9231]

The best performance of Clair de Lune I have ever heard so far!

[@cwwiss1]

Same. I think perhaps that amount of feeling only comes from a life lived.

[@adricas3940]

Wherever he is, Debussy is smiling and enjoying as much as everyone who's listening to the pianist. Bravo!!!

[@floraLpez]

The delicacy that he plays this piece is perfect.Makes the song even more emotional and beautiful

[@cassnate6259]

Gosh, I saw that he was 94 and also saw that this was filmed in 2012, leading me to know the odds weren't good that he was with us anymore. What a lovely performance... even with a shake in the hands, the notes feel so perfectly placed and effortless. Bravo and rest in peace sir. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@morganschmidtke9015]

Moved to tears!

[@morganschmidtke9015]

Those hands! ❤

[@MALEXI10]

I think the piano has to be the greatest instrument ever created.

[@jody-annesullivan4547]

He knows the tune, and the tune knows him

[@TheCityEditor]

A maestro. Something beyond talent at work here.

[@BLUEMOONinDECEMBER2]

My soul just floated into the firmament ❤!! May he rest in peace. And may God embrace him in heaven so he can play with all of His Angelic Choir and musicians!

[@sheffkev]

This was my friend Roy's favourite piece of music, he passed in 2011 from cancer and it has been wonderful to hear this beautiful interpretation and sit and have a quiet reflection of a wonderful friend who is still missed ❤

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thanks for sharing these very personal memories with us and our community ❤️

[@dr1214.]

I must ask you, although I doubt it is the same person! I had a friend named Roy who passed away from cancer about that time! He lived in New Jersey, USA!

[@sheffkev]

@@dr1214. Thank you for asking, it wasn't the same person as Roy was from Beeston in Leeds UK. Sorry for your loss

[@dr1214.]

@@sheffkev And for yours also! ✝️💜

[@cyndyholtzman2670]

Most beautiful Clair de lune. Bravo

[@rbsmiles7661]

You know the performance has been riveting when the applause are delayed such as they are here. He was of my father's generation. Same age. I know these extraordinary magical people can't live forever. But sometimes I wish they could.

[@pmn2821]

Quite possibly the most beautiful piece of music ever written or ever will be written.

[@francismalafronte7629]

Il a été vraiment un merveilleux pianiste. Hommages à lui.

[@nominalsofar3831]

Wow, first time I've seen this gentleman play. Such control and dexterity, and such feeling. Beautiful.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@Ebb5845]

He feels the music in every fiber of his his being🥰

[@МайяКовальчук-ю1у]

Завораживающая магия звука... Музыка Дебюсси донесена гениально! Благодарю, Мастер!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your comment. If possible, please comment in English next time so that more people can follow the discussion. All the best!

[@GraceCanadaful]

​- learn Russian, also Google offers translation right underneath, gut? It was a nasty comment.

[@voraciousreader3341]

I love the delicacy of touch he achieves, despite such swollen arthritic fingers….truly a master! This is a rendition for the ages!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@Lilou-go3yp]

Pour un soir de Pleine Lune,quoi de plus joli que cette Magnifique Mélodie 🌙✨

[@meszarosmate4257]

Time just get stopped, such a great musician!

[@RomanEagle32]

This man is not just a master, he’s an artist. He was painting a tapestry of emotions with that piano. If you close your eyes, you can imagine a clear star filled night sky with mother nature buzzing around you. This version was truly a masterpiece.

[@BradHoover-m1i]

One of the most haunting songs ever, and my mother's favorite bc it was my parents' song for 62 years. I wish you could have heard her play it.

[@海-b5j]

プレスラーの奏でる音は、とても美しく、晩年になるほど磨かれて、宝石の様です。 素晴らしい芸術家の芸術に触れることが出来る悦びは、この世界に生まれてきた喜びです。 ありがとう。メナヘム・プレスラー

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your comment. If possible, please comment in English next time so that more people can follow the discussion. All the best!

[@vikik4714]

​@@DWClassicalMusicI have seen many comments on different languages under this video, but you asked to change the language only this commenter. I am guessing why you ask only this one. By the way, I have no idea what language it is, I only know it is Asian, but I perfectly read it with the You Tube translations.

[@СветланаПопова-ц4ч]

Уважаемый, благодарю Вас! Сказано прекрасно! Согласна с Вами! Мира Вам и счастья!

[@phyllisstrider2998]

My favorite piece of classical music. He was wonderful.

[@max2082]

A beautiful life, a beautiful song, and a beautiful moment. ❤😢

[@gbbe9331]

An absolute master of the piano ❤

[@СветланаПопова-ц4ч]

Это повторить нельзя! Фурор! Он не просто виртуоз, он - Океан звуков и красоты чувств! Большой художник! Маэстро! Браво! Люблю Вас!

[@KeithandPamBilyeu]

Pam here….you can ‘feel his fingers’ with the softness of the music….truly made the soundboard of the piano hum sweetly

[@littlesnowy98]

For all these years that i couldn't endured 10 seconds of any other renditions , glad i was right all along finally a proper expression of the piece 💕

[@mickster655]

Goosebumps. Just like Daniel Barenboim. Fricken Flawless. B E A utiful.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@AintNoFool]

A teen in early 70's, I preferred some classical music to all the obnoxious rock n roll stuff! This was one of my faves! Love this now, too!

[@msr1116]

I've always appreciated most jazz, Frank Sinatra-Dean Martin songs and Strauss---even at ages when I was much too embarrassed to admit it to my peers. Now, well into adulthood, I enjoy what I enjoy without a care as to what others think.

[@malgorzatabator-schreiber817]

Himmlisch!!!! 😍🤩🥰😇 Danke fürs Hochladen. ❤

[@MrZooBreak]

Menahem Pressler, what a fabulous performance. A great gift to us all. This is a rare delicate treatment of this piece. You bring an ethereal and enchanting quality to it that is nothing short of unique. Bravo, and thank you from the most peaceful part of my soul. So many have tried, yet this is the most beautiful rendition I have ever heard. You have touched me so deeply.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

I can nothing but agree.

[@organboi]

Incredible accuracy and clarity and expression and delicacy. Amazing for his age here. Not a missed note or smudge.

[@xoxonina9456]

J'aurais tellement aimé être présente et l'entendre jouer cette magnifique pièce ! Une douceur musicale remémorant une valse de souvenirs ! Merci Maestro !!

[@dellamcgowan7502]

I attempt this & am well aware of my ability. I play for me & enjoy myself. This genteel man has thrilled me beyond belief. I’ll never be a threat to anyone but I’ll look forward to enjoying myself, perhaps entertaining my neighbours & think of this unbelievable performer & the only things we have in common: I own a Yamaha Grand that makes me sound good; I know how to open her & I know how to sit. That’s where any comparison I have as a pianist ends. But I know how to close my eyes & listen to the Master. & thank you Lord for sharing him with the world.

[@melvinpartridge688]

Lovely words, and good luck with your playing and entertaining your neighbours.

[@dellamcgowan7502]

@@melvinpartridge688 thank you Melvin. It could also be interpreted that I torture my neighbours!

[@trystero13]

Simple and most eloquently expressed sentiments with which I can so easily empathize. This mesmeric performance is a wonder in achieving a platonic ideal of Clair de lune. Nice to know others are feeling the same. How could one not?

[@jeversonjunior]

There are songs that accompany us throughout our lives. Very special.

[@jillh1375]

This is absolutely my favorite ❤❤❤ it always brings tears to my eyes because it is so beautiful!!!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@danielapaparini-jj8kw]

Grazie per questo magnifico Debussy

[@spdycar13]

Speechless. So beautiful. My favorite performance.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@Anka0610]

I am amazed at how this master extracts sound! such delicacy! Such softness! After this video, I began to look for other recordings in his performance. He's amazing!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@Yuehzai]

Master Pressler also played Clair de lune as the encore of his recital in Taiwan in 2017, and I still remember it vividly.

[@roystewart4386]

Gentle and well seasoned musician gracefully performed by a true master. Such a great composition.

[@g2gbrb431]

i feel like he is adding little flourishes that make the song even richer. this is definitely a fantastic rendition of the song

[@organboi]

He added nothing. Just saying.

[@mdemanuel1911]

​@@organboiSheet music-wise

[@onasmerjil24]

Makes me tear up watching this, love from Austin, Texas❤️

[@alisalegato]

❤❤❤

[@susannegaede4589]

I feel the same, greetings from Germany........

[@ВалерийШпанагель-х6н]

Пианист сыграл потрясающе! Браво,Маэстро! Ким Гаус,Kaunas

[@marilynwoolford-chandler1161]

What a gorgeous begining. The pianissimos are beguiling, ravishing.

[@michael-k-matsuo]

Simply mesmerizing! ❤

[@elizethirion6035]

Deeply touching performance. I love this one best.

[@jonathanidiagbonya6773]

Beautiful performance by a beautiful man. So much depth, richness and sensitivity.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@beatrizramosrobles6992]

Oh my God!...so beautiful you feel like flying....and so well played by this MAESTRO .....💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@user-ap1925iss]

Este é um bom sentido da vida: viajar com a música no tempo e viver dias felizes, ensolarados e distantes.

[@cristinavaleriabotea3625]

This man ...gentle touch the piano ...is like a run of a wind through his piano...

[@joepworther2284]

Menahem is a legend...

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

That is a great piano that can respond to his touch like it does!

[@silviodrebes5749]

Ótimo ouvir num sábado, pela manhã, quando tudo está mais calmo. Obrigado.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your comment. If possible, please comment in English next time so that more people can follow the discussion. All the best!

[@joselitaribeiro7315]

A good artist is never too old.

[@ИринаБасова-в5е]

Маэстро ПРЕКРАСЕН ,как и та МУЗЫКА,которую ОН нам дарит❤️БРАВО!!!

[@audreyso1201]

Une des plus belles musiques classiques de tous les temps.

[@Louaymahmoud2]

Moonlight from the perspective of an old man ❤.

[@Musicarbs]

is very good

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

See! Not all old men are bad for this world! I sure get tired of how younger people completely reject older people in America. We have all been through a lot more of life's challenges than today's young people will ever have - or live through. I mean, they are sitll struggling with who and what they are - male or female? treated equally? intitled to everything we had but only free! Will follow AI instead of learn for themselves! Have horrible listening AND thinking skills. I'll take us old guys 24/7!

[@organboi]

Old is a state of mind.

[@margaritahope4604]

You will end up old as well!

[@elentok2225]

Thank You! Perfect! Wonderful! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💐💐💐

[@DWClassicalMusic]

We're glad you enjoyed it. Make sure to follow us in order to not miss out in the future 😊

[@alrast95]

The kindness here is so inspiring. Blessings to everyone!

[@sheetalpatel6286]

Wow, wow and wow! I really enjoyed the sensitivity and such delicate touch of this piece. This certainly has made it in my top 3 favourite performances of this piece.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

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[@gigliolaterenna3770]

Sublime interpretazione.

[@b20di3]

Its like someone translated the moment of sitting peacefully by a gurgling spring into one of the most evocative and transitive pieces of piano music. I am constantly in awe of this piece and those that can play it so well.

[@nighthawk8764]

I've been listening to this over and over since I found it here. This man was a piano genius. There are not enough beautiful words to describe how this man played.

[@sugartong7406]

Feel so touched by this 🥹

[@mariadagloriaermida8453]

Ai que maravilhoso! Que música belíssima e tocada tão lindamente. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@ddromantik8465]

Amazing! No doubt it sounds perfectly due to maestro. This masterpiece of Cloud Debussy takes takes the spirit high! Thanks😊

[@claudial.gonzalez4268]

Music of the heart❤❤❤ exceptionally player with talent and love,,,, Sir Menahem Pressier!

[@SilvioNobre]

Magnificent! 💞😍❤️

[@user-sx6wt6dp3z]

This is my favorite piano performance in existence. 💙

[@ロ口-u7r]

なんとチャーミングな「月の光」でしょう。 そして今まで私が知らなかった音やフレーズが、こんなにいくつも聴こえてきました。 そして私は自分が息を止めて聴いていたことを知ります。

[@hang-sangitch]

My god. That was beautiful 😢❤

[@edwardfitz-gibbon6484]

He played the strings of my heart

[@tomasgskk]

La interpretación de calidad hecha desde la perfección conseguía por la edad

[@AshesOfRoses]

Soft, serene, gentle, beautiful. Music doesn’t have to shout.This is superb, lovely.🌷🌿🩷

[@siriosstar4789]

my word how do his fingers create such beauty at that age . that was super human . A stunning performance!

[@DRFelGood]

Bravo 👏🏻 bravo 👏🏻 ❤❤❤❤❤

[@edstud1]

He makes the piano speak to me!

[@krasnaja6807]

Beautiful music, very good Maestro Ma.Pressler, always exciting ❤️🎹❤️💯✨🎶💫

[@Namsaia]

Masterpiece! This song reminds me of me walking through the streets of London on a cold February night in 2020, admiring the city...how much life and I have changed since then...

[@jocelynyared2150]

It always amazes me how something beautiful can come out from fallen man.

[@lucicaandrei3314]

Divin! Mulțumim!

[@MariaBLH]

Absolutely perfect!😮❤

[@sandramauriza2581]

Que emoção! Lindo demais! Obrigada!❤💐

[@dennismorris7573]

Sublimely beautiful.

[@josejuandelaruadelgado5407]

Para quitarse el sombrero.Olé❤