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Late Romantic and Impressionist · mazurka

Mazurka, CD 75 / L. 67

Claude Debussy · Level 7, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A youthful work whose date is disputed. Mazurka, CD 75 / L. 67 is a mazurka by Claude Debussy from the Late Romantic and Impressionist era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.

On this page
  • mazurka
  • Late Romantic and Impressionist
  • dancing

History

Debussy's Mazurka waited years before publication in 1903. Lesure's critical preface places its composition in 1880 to 1882, while the IMSLP work list gives 1890 to 1891. Those sources agree on the later publication but do not establish one settled composition year.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Lower notes introduce the recurring contour

    A lower-staff introduction leads into the recurring opening shape. Hear its support continue when the upper line arrives.

  2. The contour returns with A tempo I

    The opening material is recalled in writing. Compare its renewed gesture with the earlier phrases rather than adding a repeat command.

  3. Alternating phrases change their colour

    Alternating phrases and chromatic responses extend the continuation. Follow their dialogue through the changing pitch groups.

  4. Stringendo gathers the final gestures

    The last gestures gather energy into a strong close. Hear their larger direction without turning source output speeds into a practice prescription.

How to practise it

Distinguish the quick bass approach from the held sonority.

  1. Practise the grace-to-main-note connection lightly, including the following rest.
  2. Practise the short attack and long pair as distinct sounds without adding upper notes.
  3. Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.

How hard is it

Level 7, estimated

Dance accents, expressive melody and contrasting sections require rhythmic nuance and controlled accompaniment.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Claude Debussy, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
At the dance floor
Licence
CC0
Source
musescore.com

More by Claude Debussy

  1. The Little Shepherd, Children's Corner No. 5Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Clair de lune, Suite bergamasque, L. 75Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. La cathédrale engloutie, Préludes I No. 10Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Distinguish the quick bass approach from the held sonority.

Practise it in PlayPiano