PlayPiano
The short answer
A piano waltz with a later orchestral life. La plus que lente is a waltz by Claude Debussy from the Late Romantic and Impressionist era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 7, an estimate.
- waltz
- Late Romantic and Impressionist
- dancing
- dreamy
- block chords
- hand independence
- voicing
Also known as CD 128; Debussy Claude - La plus que lente; L. 121.
History
Debussy composed La plus que lente for solo piano in 1910, and Durand published it that year. Debussy later orchestrated the work himself. The piano original and orchestral version are related stages, not interchangeable score files.
Sources
What to listen for
A lilting accompaniment joins
The upper F-A-flat-F gesture sits above a moving bass and quieter inner chords. Listen for the melody to remain clear within the three-beat texture.
A small repeated gesture
The upper line alternates F and A-flat in eighth notes. Keep the repeated gesture supple while the accompaniment follows its own rhythm.
Space within the melody
The upper F is interrupted by a quarter rest before returning. The bass and inner chords continue underneath; let the pause belong to the phrase rather than stopping the whole texture.
How to practise it
Connect the melodic tie above the quieter inner pair and bass.
- Include the initial rest.
- Keep the melodic tie continuous.
- Balance inner support below the melody.
How hard is it
The proposed upper-intermediate target values poised motion, phrase continuity and distinct character across the full acquired piece, not simply reading a slow title as an easy tempo.
About this piece
- Collection
- At the dance floor
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Claude Debussy
- The Little Shepherd, Children's Corner No. 5Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Clair de lune, Suite bergamasque, L. 75Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
- La cathédrale engloutie, Préludes I No. 10Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
