Debussy's most famous melody

Debussy’s Clair de Lune is a magical piece that finds itself caught between the rather romantic style of his youth and the impressionistic colours that he explored later on. Luscious, expressive harmonies and almost sigh-like gestures at 01:10 show off his early romantic tendencies while ambiguous harmonies and rhythms show the beginnings of Impressionism.
Debussy breaks some traditional harmony rules freely. The piece begins on a first inversion of the tonic chord and the third, F, is emphasised, creating an ambiguity between F minor and Db major. This ambiguity happens as well in Mahler’s famous Adagietto. Debussy also uses freely chord extensions without their needed preparations or resolutions (the phrase at 02:14 is particularly interesting) while the famous chromatic mediant at 02:00 is one of his many early harmonic innovations.
The rhythm is a defining element of this piece, since it helps to create a sort of suspension in time while also moving freely and flowingly. The opening motif itself begins on a syncopation and a constant meandering between duplet and triplet rhythms creates an unpredictable melodic contour.
Recording (Kissin): • Evgeny Kissin - Clair ...

[@anled.composition]

What a joy it was to discover these mesmerizing colors as a kid. Same joy today !

[@Chopiet]

2:00 my favourite part of the piece 🤍✨

[@AdLibitum1]

the un poco mosso is just beautiful

[@philchristensen2787]

Night skiing Mt. Hood by moonlight, with Clair de Lune in my earbuds. Almost an out-of-body experience.

[@karlsengupta7185]

Another exquisite video. Thank you.

[@skylarlimex]

Thanks!

[@paddingtonjohnston8537]

first debussy piece i’ve ever learned at 12- now i am going to school for piano ❤

[@donotapply6202]

i loved playing this piece

[@abrahamjh5742]

Kissin really nailed the feeling

[@juanpresas5875]

so great!

[@LeeGee]

What a pleasure

[@mustuploadtoo7543]

debussy