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The short answer
A prelude Debussy took to the concert platform. La cathédrale engloutie, Préludes I No. 10 is a prelude by Claude Debussy from the Late Romantic and Impressionist era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.
- prelude
- Late Romantic and Impressionist
- dreamy
- grand
- block chords
- hand independence
- voicing
Also known as CD 125 No. 10; Claude Debussy: La cathédrale engloutie (The Submerged Cathedral); FL 125 No. 10; L. 117 No. 10 (older Lesure numbering); La cathédrale engloutie: Préludes I No. 10; Préludes, Livre 1 No. 10.
History
La cathédrale engloutie was among the preludes Debussy performed in Paris in May 1910. The cited accounts disagree on the day. Jane Mortier performed the complete first book at the Salle Pleyel on 3 May 1911.
Sources
What to listen for
Wide, sustained sonorities
A high D-G-D chord and a low G-D-G chord frame moving inner sonorities. Listen to the wide space between registers while the inner chords rise.
The sound turns inward
The upper staff falls silent while a low line moves around G and D beneath the sustained bass sonority. Notice the contrast with the opening ascent.
The ascent returns with a new bass
The high chord and rising inner sonorities return, now above a low F-C-F foundation. Listen for the changed bass colour underneath the familiar upper shape.
A low answering gesture
The upper staff is silent again. The low moving line now circles F and C. Let the sustained sound and the shorter notes remain distinct.
How to practise it
Keep long outer layers distinct from the moving chord groups.
- Coordinate the moving chord groups.
- Keep long outer tones connected.
- Notice the changed lower foundation.
How hard is it
The proposed advanced performance target focuses on differentiated sonority and a coherent long-range arc, rather than achieving correct notes at one undifferentiated volume.
About this piece
- Collection
- French piano colors
- 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
