Debussy's Clair de Lune, deconstructed
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- čas přidán 12. 07. 2024
- Clair de Lune is Debussy’s most famous work, heard in countless films like Ocean’s Eleven and re-imagined as pop songs. But what can we learn from the cultural and aesthetic world in which it was written? Let’s deconstruct Clair de Lune.
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Recording of Suite Bergamasque used: open.spotify.com/album/4tYYPS...
FURTHER READING/RESEARCH
Claude Debussy's Clair de Lune (The Oxford Keynotes Series): www.amazon.co.uk/Claude-Debus...
Debussy's two settings of 'Clair de Lune': academic.oup.com/ml/article-a...
A Study of Claude Debussy's Suite Bergamasque: kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/...
Sensing Watteau: The Artist's Musical Images as Preludes to the Age of Senstibility: core.ac.uk/download/pdf/21060...
FURTHER WATCHING
What links ‘The Great Wave’ and Debussy’s ‘La Mer’? • What links ‘The Great ...
Thank you to my all my amazing supporters on Patreon, but in particular to my Perfect Fifth supporters: David Ball, Pavel Makeenko, Max Braun, Hamish Madden, Andrew Wong, David Wiley, Bryan Ellertson - Hudba
"I only know two pieces; one of them is Clair de Lune, the other one isn't." -- Victor Borge
aka Clear the Saloon
The other is Julia Florida for me :'3
💕🔥
I cannot believe these videos are free
I cannot describe with words how immersive this video was. Congratulations, can't wait to see more!
Thank you so much! Really glad you enjoyed the video!
Você por aqui kkkkkk que surpresa
Eta
Didn't expect to see you here 😁
@ why not? Ele é músico afinal. 😅
From the look of the comments, it seems that the editing for this took some effort. I believe it was worth it. The tone of this little museum you built matches the tone of of the music that you show. So delicately restful, so achingly familiar. Thank you for such a beautiful guided tour of the history, inspiration, and substance of this piece.
I agree- a beautifully guided tour indeed!!
9
I don’t know about you but that moment at 9:54…that one Eb minor9th chord…it never ceases to give me goosebumps…it’s just so heartbreakingly beautiful… 😭
I have been learning this piece for few months jumping in and out with other pieces. That exact chord drove me to find what that chord was, and made me want to learn this piece.
This piece... there's something about it that speaks to me. Everytime I listen to it I feel a bliss of emotions as if I am being moved by each note.
From a layman's perspective:
I always thought of Claire De Lune as innocent, blissful, and above all, hopeful. Now, with the context provided by this man! I have now gained a deeper understanding of Claire De Lune. I do not have the same talent/skill when analyzing the artistic substance of sheet music like you do, so I just want you to know how grateful I am that this channel exists for through this channel I have gained a deeper appreciation for the art of music.
Thank you for your work my man! And thank you for breaking down my favorite piece of sheet music I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve always loved it, and love it even more now that I’ve done this video.
The EDITING!!! Beautiful job
THANK YOU! I’ve basically not had a life for two weeks doing the editing.
thank you so much! @@ListeningIn
Whether you first heard it in a music class, found it while listening to classical music, feel pain as it reminds you of _someone's_ death, or even if this is your first time hearing it...
We can all agree that this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written
The first time I ever heard it was the Google doodle. That sounds like a joke but I swear it's true.
No overplay can kill it. It’s so arresting.
“Clair de Lune, how clich-...”
**Relaxes instantly**
**gradually smiles**
What a piece.
@@JasonJBrunetomg that google doodle inspired me to start learning the piano once I heard Clair de lune
I don’t associate it with death at all, it’s a beautiful and soothing piece
Debussy is good, however, that video editing was 1st class 👌
Thank you! Took a very long time…
Can't disagree!
That flat 7 at the end...it's like having your heart broken so thoroughly that it can never be repaired. And even when you've gotten some distance from the pain and can experience happiness again, it isn't pure anymore. Your heart wasn't put entirely back together. You've been scarred irrevocably.
It feels similar to me, but it has an air of acceptance to it. That note feels like recognition of past pain, but it comes with a willingness to embrace the happiness offered by the present.
your french pronunciation is quite good, a remarkable feat for a native english speaker. thanks for making the effort. it adds to the excellence of your analyses, explanations and videos. thanks, again.
I've found that the most difficult part of playing this piece (for me at least) isn't the phrasing or timing specifically, but rather the transition from one section to another. Make of that what you will. It's amazing to hear how different it can sound from one performance (and performer) to another. Still haven't quite gotten it down myself.
Bro I don’t know how you do it. This is like exactly the type of content I live for. The ability to organically help us discover the beauty behind certain music, while also showing it’s importance in context with other art, is enough reason to want to wake up in the morning
It has been awhile, but the concept of "singing songs of joy in a minor key" is exactly how this song struck me while in a very impressionable state; I drank psilocybin tea for my 23rd birthday and listened to this during the peak. My life has been equal parts both of lovely, beautiful experiences and of deep trauma, and while this song played, the feelings associated with each blended into something indescribable. The world around me seemed steeped in gorgeous wet paint, like a fresh painting left out in the rain; I found myself crying uncontrollably, and every heave of sobbing made the colors of the painted world around me drip and bleed into each other. I came to very solid terms with the fact that my suffering is a part of what and who I am, and it was still something beautiful. Sad, but still lovely.
I don't think I've ever consumed any other piece of art that captures these feelings as perfectly as Claire De Lune ❤️
“I’ll have what she’s having.”
This was such an enjoyable and unique take on a video essay. Phenomenol work.
The spoken content is exceptional regardless, but to match it with such a unique video style was incredible to watch.
When every other video essayist is speaking to the camera, cutting to memes, or illustrating text on screen this is a real beath of fresh air. Kudos.
This was PERFECTLY used at the end of Ocean's Eleven. No words. Just the tall slender fountains, the music, and the characters (having traveled their road, contemplating and silently enjoying the moment) coming and going. And the result is that it's the most memorable scene in the whole film.
outstanding editing. I'm so glad I found your channel. Ever since my music education days at SDSU, I've always had an appreciation for analyzing music - whether it's classical, jazz, or pop. Your visual essays are brilliant and I'll continue coming back for more! Also don't think I didn't notice those flecks of dust floating in front of the computer screen - nice touch!
Thank you! And I’m glad you noticed the dust! There’s lots of small things in this video that it did wonder if people would notice.
This guy gives me chill with his every video. You should get oscar or Emmy for these beautiful presentations. Bravo!
This... This is the best video on CZcams. Musician or no, you can appreciate this video for the beauty it exhibits.
All of your videos are not only extremely informative, but incredibly immersive. I’ve found myself spending over 2+ Hours lost in your content! Thank you!
So many things that make this video absolutely amazing, from the smooth, gentle voice, to the well-thought out expression of ideas and the elaboration on the swirling and unspeakably complex emotions Clair de Lune invokes, to the flawless editing and visuals. This video was not simply just made, this video was crafted. I am so glad to have found you through the Wikicast.
I am completely overwhelmed with the artistic and analytic quality, embracing this amazing video! Thank you so much!
Maybe it’s my current emotional state talking, but i can imagine this melody as a pure relationship of love, it begins with this coming together, sometimes a bit “clumsily”, then we move to the notes that don’t want to be alones, and as we move we go from joy and pain, and fights, ups and downs, lovely and not so lovely realities, to nostalgia and reconciliation based on the love that found them, a d when they realize they’re old and survived everything that life threw at them, melancholy, nostalgia, and hope returns for the continuation of the relationship
Would love to see a video on Satie.
I came to the comment section to say the same thing. This video absolutely made my day. An essay on Gymnopedie 1 would be too wonderful for words!
You have left me completely breathless, and in awe for how skillfully Debussy translated the poem to music. Speaking of combining music and poetry: would you consider making a video essay similar in form, about Rachmaninov's "The Bells" (inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's little known, but nevertheless worthy and stimulating poem)?
Clair de Lune... to me is a reminder of the love of my life, lost. Not because she is gone but more a wistful longing for that love I never knew and yet is somehow so familiar I feel I have known her all my life. A beautiful shade of what might have been, and also at times seemingly so real.
Phenomenal video one again Barnaby, so happy to be here while your channel is blowing up. Fantastic job on the video edit as well
Thank you Steven! I just had to keep going…
Beautiful, simply beautiful. The fantastic editing is evocative of the haunting melancholy of the music and a perfect accompaniment to your usual, detailed analysis. You've made a work of art worthy of Debussy. Bravo and thank you!
Oh, that divine C flat at the end! From the moment I first heard the piece in early childhood, it bewitched me. When at last I could play (badly) the music on piano, I lingered over that note to the point of going way overboard with the rubato. It always filled my eyes with tears, making it difficult to finish the piece. Wonderfully insightful analysis! Bravo! You might consider doing a video on Beau Soir, which I've always felt is a companion to Clair de lune, with its similar tender ache at the end: "...elle a la mer, nous aux tombeau..."
The music is like taking a breath and just falling asleep. The reoccurring dream I have been having is what people describe death as, and Clair de lune reminds me of the amazing death/dream/sleep like state that I would never leave if I could
I'm so glad I found your channel! I really enjoyed your Lord of the Rings videos and Clair De Lune has always been one of my favorite pieces. Thank you for making these videos!
I’m 25, I’ve been playing Clair de lune since I am like 15, been playing since 9, and after I watched this video I have found a new sense of appreciation for this piece and for that I thank you
Debussy is probably my favorite composer of all time. Great video!
Wonderfully edited and produced, Barnaby! Moved my soul, as always! ☺️
Always fun to see someone speaking french ! It is always a pleasure to watch your videos and I am amazed every time of the amount of work behind those videos and the wonderful editing !
Thanks for those videos and the clear explications. ❤
I'm in love with all of your videos, especially this one
Yessssssss a new video! Wow you have managed to present a video about a music piece as an immersive journey of discovery. Thank you very much for all your time and effort!
This video essay was so well done. The story-telling and editing alike were amazing.
I know absolutely nothing about music but can listen to your videos all day long. Your descriptions and writing are exceptional and your editing is phenomenal.
You're amazing at creating an immersive experience through these videos, your voice coupled with the masterful editing is mesmerizing, I've known this piece for almost a decade but I never stopped to think about it that way, keep it up with these videos
this video was phenomenal, from the editing to the content of it, i felt like i learned so much by the end of it. congratulations, continue with this amazing work!
Incredible! I've been binging your videos the past few hours and these are very unique! Awesome visuals and narration!
love the video editing! Keep it up, your videos are insta watches for me!
Your productions absolutely make my day better. Thank you!
Outstanding work, as always. Genuinely fantastic work. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts with the internet.
You are truly becoming a force to be reckoned with. The editing on this one is amazing. Great work!
I'm so glad I found your channel, it's truly one of the best out there. Keep the good work going. :)
I love all of your videos. Thank you for all of your hard work
Thanks for putting in the effort to make this video, great work. Debussy is one of my favorite composers.
Love your videos, Barnaby. Keep up this quality of work and your channel will be destined for la Lune.
Holy crap I was crying by the end! What a beautiful analysis! Thank you so much for this, the Suite Bergamasque and the Cathédrale Englutie are some of my all-time favorite piano pieces. This was a masterpiece.
You're videos are amazing, especially their quality! Keep up the good work :)
this video (and the channel) is so delightful
all these videos are gold. Very well produced.
You are so incredibly underrated! Thank you for providing us with such immersive perspectives of understanding such beautiful music - everything just feels so "warm"!
Wow, I have no words for how amazing this video is. I was pleasantly surprised by how in depth you were with your analysis. It really makes me love the piece even more.
Beautifully produced video! Thank You!
You have become LITERALLY ON OF MY FAVORITE CHANNELS, it's so rare to find somebody who shares a passion for classical music and you create these wonderful video essays for us to enjoy, i am grateful for your channel
This is one of the most moving videos on one of, if not the, most moving piece I’ve heard. Absolutely amazing editing and explanation, the story, everything about this is beautiful. I am very interested to see what else you and whoever you work with can come up with now, looking forward to it all! Again, absolutely amazing video on one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever heard, seen, and played
Such a beautiful piece of music. I love how you break down this transcendent work from Debussy.
This is my absolute favorite piece of music!!! I learned so much from this video. Thank you!
This is so exceptionally good, thank you for doing this and please never stop.
Undoubtedly another great video!
Just waiting for one of these great video essays to just take off and pop up on trending any day now.... great job!
This is a beautiful video!! Thank you for putting this together!
Thank you for explaining why the Cb at the end feels so perfect! Also, having the sheet music for the Prelude on the wall during the, well, Prelude, of the video is a nice touch!
I have never found someone explain the unexplainable feeling this piece has , better than you. This is amazing 💜
This must be the best piano analysis video I've ever seen! Thank you so much for the insight into this great piece!
Bro this is gold content, thanks so much
This was such a well made vid!! Clair de Lune truly is my favorite after watching this 🌙🎶
This is an amazing interpretation of one of the most beautiful songs ever, thank you for so much for posting.
this Cb is one of the most stunning things in all the music I've heard in my life. I waited the whole video, I hoped you'd discuss it, and was not disappointed. Much love.
You deserve much more subs and views. Incredible work!
In this video, Debussy's work of art is expounded upon by a work of art.
Thankyou for this video, it takes me to another place and and taken me back
to my deep love of music, especially piano.
The amount of effort and quality of your videos are INCREDIBLE, but I look at your view counts and subscribers and it's soooo low. You deserve more viewers and anybody who doesn't see one of your videos are MISSING OUT immensely.
Keep up the fantastic work. I love your videos!
This is an incredible video, totally engaging ... I stopped my work just to sit and take it in. You evoke the emotion of the music, explaining it, coloring it in.
It was a journey, thank you.
Every once in a while i come back to this piece and lost myself in thoughts for a few minutes. Thanks for putting the music into words, top notch presentation. One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written, the happiness and the sadness together. Such is the beauty of life
How fascinating that with as many times as I've stumbled through playing it, studied it in college, etc, I never once considered that it might have been part of another set. Once again, how absolutely fascinating this channel is. I'll wager most people are listening to every minute rather than being pulled away by short attention spans. 10/10, mate.
Totally amazing work, Debussy and you
This is an outstanding analysis, conveyed in a fantastically edited film! Thank you so much for this video.
This is a incredible video. I was looking for a video explaining why Clair de Lune was so good. Love your channel dude!!
The charging phone at 3:30 is a nice touch ;) great video as always!
Superb analysis beautifully presented! Thank you!
Beautifully done. Elegant, inspiring. Wonderful work.
I love Debussy and I love this video as well. Your videos are some of the highest quality I've seen. Thank you.
Wonderful Editing and a beautiful topic. Well done!
You're doing such exceptional work. It is appreciated!
Thank you for this stunning analysis. Your words brought tears to my eyes, especially regarding Debussy's c-flat. It's my favorite choice of note in the piece and your reflection resonated deeply. Thank you!
I'm currently learning to play this piece and I am so grateful for your analysis. I will play it better now.
Magnifique. Votre prononciation est impeccable !
Wow, I am astonished with the quality of your works, this is my second video, seen the one about spectre before. Keep up the good work, man!
This is so good, so inspiring, so relaxing, wonderful job
This is such an amazing video. Thank you so much for this.
Your videos are absolute masterpieces!
Debussy is one of my favorite composers and Clair de Lune one of the pieces that continues to put tears in my eyes, despite having hearing it hundreds of times. Thank you for helping me to understand why. An outstanding piece of musical analysis for non-experts and a most beautiful video.
Dude your work is priceless. Keep doing this, for the greater good, please. Huge hug!
Quickly becoming one of my favorite CZcams channels!
Any plans to deconstruct Strauss? I would love to see a video on one of his Tone Poems. Death and Transfiguration is my personal favorite!
This video is so well done from the beginning down to the end , man it gives me chills.
You're the best CZcamsr I've found yet.
Extraordinary video! Thank you so very much! Greetings from Brazil!