Debussy Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum - Jessica Krash, pianist

JESSICA KRASH'S SLOW MUSIC EMPORIUM
This recording was made at home during the covid pandemic.
Several of my piano students were scared to learn this piece because all the recordings on KZbin were so fast. Now there's one that isn't.
www.jessicakrash.com

[@giovannidesantis1751]

Fantastic! the hyper speed of most performances out there are simply a show of one side of this composition: the "carillon" harmonic development. Your version gives a detailed pictures of colors and harmonies as well a fresh interpretation taste. Thank you.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!

[@Ealsante]

It does sound very different, somehow, when played slower. Lovely.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Yes, I think the slow tempo requires a different interpretation than simply slowing down the fast interpretation. Thank you for your comments!

[@ydesdev1]

Interesting. The thing with this one is that Debussy wanted to mock scale exercises in piano teaching and depict a music student falling into a reverie then going back to work. So speed is part of the meaning because it is supposed to contrast with the dreamy bit in the middle. But nice to hear the harmonies properly!

[@jessicakrash8181]

That's a good point, about depicting a student! thank you -

[@nanthilrodriguez]

Yeah the piece is a sarcastic mockery of a demanding piano tutor his daughter had. "Dr gradus ad parnassum" is debussys way of insulting the teacher "Yes, mr text book? Scales? More scale practice? Yes sir dr music school!" But his daughter was described as imaginative and playful, so the dreamier sections depict his daughters daydreaming and imagination contrasted against the teachers demands. The piece doesn't make sense without the speed contrast. For a reference this is a good idea to share with students who might be intimidated. But the point of the piece is comedy, light hearted mockery and playfulness, not relaxation and vapid "beauty"

[@TheFakeMe_]

@@nanthilrodriguez Yes but the point is, what is the best speed you shoul play a specific music without losing the harmonic nuances and the space needed to sip the music's narrative. This piece is too often played too fast, masterpieces must not to be played for an intellectual reason but have to be in tune with the emotional and spiritual aspects of music .

[@stevenschmidt]

Yes!!! I've been complaining for years that everyone plays this song way too fast!! Your performance is beautiful! Thank you!

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you so much!

[@haydenforest9528]

Thank you for sharing this with everyone. I would love to hear more of your "slow music" recordings.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you! I have also put a "slow" recording of Bach's Invention 4 on KZbin.

[@wynetteyao706]

Beautiful playing that takes you somewhere else!

[@martinlee5604]

I am learning this piece, and to hear it at this tempo is very encouraging. Thank you, Jessica.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!

[@brickhead9779]

Was looking for a slower version, this is perfect!

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!

[@Emma-qi6dx]

I love your tempo. I always think this piece is played too fast. Beautiful intepretation. Thanks for the video.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you so much.

[@belenlg5978]

beautiful, thank you for this lovely interpretation!

[@jessicakrash8181]

Many thanks!

[@jean.marion]

PERFECT - Debussy sounds so much more brilliant when we can actually hear all of the notes. Thank you so much for uploading this to KZbin! I would also love to hear Suite bergamasque: "Passepied" played slowly without any staccato (melodic - like Clair de lune). So beautiful that way. Thanks again.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you so much. Yes, "Passepied" slower would be lovely!

[@mariannehampton9295]

Thank . I really enjoyed actually hearing the notes .

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!

[@jacobtaylor2850]

That was incredibly played, lovely to be able to appreciate the rhythmic intricacies at this tempo.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you! I enjoyed thinking about the rhythms when I was practicing.

[@veroniquechaplain1823]

Merci pour le tempo ! C'est tellement agréable et bien plus expressif que lorsque c'est joué à toute vitesse....Bravo pour le style !

[@jessicakrash8181]

thank you!

[@katesleath2207]

Fantastic version. Thank you for sharing.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!

[@ceciliakate128]

Thanks!!! This tempo gives me time to appreciate the tones. :)

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!

[@jessicademeo5488]

Thank you for playing at a reasonable speed ❤

[@danielphagoo3968]

Beautifully played and slowly

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!

[@gabrielbezerra5013]

amazing!!love from Brazil

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you! Hello to you in Brazil.

[@studentoftheword6115]

Super interesting to hear it slowly done! Wow.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you so much!

[@ignaciohmon]

What a discovery! I've always felt this piece is played too fast... This encourages me to find my own tempo ^^

[@jessicakrash8181]

thank you - I appreciate your comment, that this inspired you to find your own way. That's important to me!

[@jessicakrash8181]

Here is my "slow" recording of Bach Invention #4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3nRo2iqfb9jnLM

[@kristals3206]

Thank you for playing it at a slow tempo. I learnt it in preparation for an exam few years back and was overwhelmed with many fast tempo in YT. My tempo was similar to yours. 😀

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you - I appreciate hearing this.

[@Verdeazulgris]

Seguro que puede tocarlo presto como todos, pero para un recital esta interpretación me parece la más acertada y bonita. Para jugar a las carreras ya hay otros momentos 😜

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you so much!

[@xxgixssiixaxx4223]

this piece in low-mo is actually so relaxing

[@zangdaarrmortpartout]

This is how it is intended to be played, the others are just showing off.

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you! I do also like other people's fast playing of this piece. I like that there are options.

[@anselmolemossilva7840]

PRIMEVO!

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!

[@jarbasgoulartdecastro9104]

It must be played slower to let us feel the beauty.Congrats!!!

[@jessicakrash8181]

thank you!

[@donarundel1560]

Everyone rushes the start, and races the final bars, instead of relishing those quirky arpeggios and scintillating chords. Enough with the porridge! Let's hear Debussy's notes. (Well done, a very revealing version!)

[@jessicakrash8181]

Thank you!