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Debussy - Etude No. 10 "Pour les sonorités opposées"

Discussion in 'Submission Room' started by Francois de Larrard, Feb 7, 2016.

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  1. Francois de Larrard

    Francois de Larrard Administrator Staff Member Piano Society Artist Trusted Member

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    Hello folks,
    This is a another piece of my integral, that is the fourth of the second book of Debussy's Etudes. Contrary to the previous pieces in the series, this etude is very peacefull and meditative. The search of sonorities is the main aim of the composer. The harmonies are just incredible for something which was composed around 1915. Except Messiaen, I'm not sure there have been more advanced, but still tonal chords than in this beautiful music. I hope you'll enjoy it as I did playing it !
     

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    Francois de Larrard, Feb 7, 2016
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  2. musicusblau

    musicusblau Administrator Staff Member Piano Society Artist Trusted Member

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    Hi François,
    this is a very good rendition. You play it very expressively and with excellent dynamic nuances. Just the ppp in the calmato passage may be could have been a bit more silent. Have you thought about using the left pedal at some places? Here one could do imho. I feel these high notes to be a bit more etherous. That just would be my suggestion to this otherwise excellent performance.
    Yes, these are very modern sounds, also for Débussy, though they stay in a tonal area overall. Some remind me to "La cathédrale engloutie" somehow.
     
    musicusblau, Feb 9, 2016
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  3. Francois de Larrard

    Francois de Larrard Administrator Staff Member Piano Society Artist Trusted Member

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    Hello Andreas,
    Thanks for your compliments ! Again, you're right with the 'ppp' part, not ppp enough. Of course I'm using the 'una corda' pedal, but the last time the piano was tuned, the technician decreased the range of action of this pedal (although I did not make any request in this matter !). I have to fix this... Regards,
     
    Francois de Larrard, Feb 13, 2016
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  4. Rachfan

    Rachfan Active Member Piano Society Artist

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    Hi Francois

    Yours is a wonderful reading of this Debussy etude, "Sonorites opposees". It's so fascinating. You do so much with accents, touches, dynamics, nuances, etc. In the past I recorded a number of pieces by Debussy, but I felt quite ambivalent about his etudes. It seemed to me that the etudes were somewhat dry and sterile -- but that was before I listened to your recording just now. And an exquisite etude and rendition it is! Thanks, Francois, for sharing this music with us.

    David
     
    Rachfan, Feb 18, 2016
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  5. pianolady

    pianolady Monica Hart, Administrator Staff Member Piano Society Artist Trusted Member

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    Hi Francois,
    Sorry I haven’t been active on the site for a while. I’ve lost my zest for piano playing lately and now I am trying to get it back by listening to my PS friends play. And your recording here is definitely helping…this is a very nice piece! I would not have guessed that it is Debussy. It just sounds more ahead of his time…if that makes sense. Like it’s by a French composer later than he. Anyway, I think you played it very well!
     
    pianolady, Feb 19, 2016
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  6. Francois de Larrard

    Francois de Larrard Administrator Staff Member Piano Society Artist Trusted Member

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    @David:
    Thanks so much David, I am confused by a so warm compliment ! If you want to hear my ideal version of the Etudes, I can advise to listen Walter Gieseking's legendary recording (it is probably available on YouTube). Technically there are minor slips (which is reassuring for us amateurs !), but artistically it is absolutely paramount. At least for me !

    @Monica:
    I am so pleased to see you back with us. Well, I know piano is a very demanding lover, and sometimes life turns out in a way where you cannot spend enough time to make him happy. It happened to me in the past... I sincerely hope it is a temporary situation for you. We need your musicality in this community ! Meanwhile, your ears are also much appreciated, of course. And remember: I am waiting for your Messiaen's preludes ;)... Regards from France,
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2016
    Francois de Larrard, Feb 21, 2016
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  7. andrew

    andrew Administrator Staff Member Piano Society Artist

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    Good recording - nice sound and control. I believe one of the hardest things in piano playing is the precise control of sound at low dynamics, and I don't hear anything obviously out of place.
     
    andrew, Feb 26, 2016
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  8. Francois de Larrard

    Francois de Larrard Administrator Staff Member Piano Society Artist Trusted Member

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    Thanks Andrew. Well, I'd like to be able to play even more pp. And you're right, dynamics is the last problem you solve in the way to perfection...
     
    Francois de Larrard, Feb 26, 2016
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