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The short answer
A prelude Debussy took to the concert platform. Voiles, Préludes I No. 2 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
Also known as Debussy - Préludes - Book I - II; Voiles: Préludes I No. 2.
History
Voiles 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
Small motives introduce the piece
Listen for the opening’s three motives as ideas that can reappear in later passages.
The middle reworks those ideas
Follow the familiar motives through the four contrasting middle episodes.
Parallel thirds return as it settles
Listen for the parallel thirds returning with the opening material as the music settles.
How to practise it
Shape the paired-note descent without re-attacking its tie.
- Practise the tie-to-descent connection slowly, omitting the tie-continuation attack.
- Connect the examined phrase at a comfortable tempo while keeping its stated layers and releases distinct.
How hard is it
Layered sonorities and subtle rhythmic motion require refined balance, pedaling and control of tonal color.
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
- La cathédrale engloutie, Préludes I No. 10Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
