Claude Debussy

In my last music related post, I shared with you my learning of Chopin’s Prelude in E minor No. 4, Op. 28.   Now, I get to write about one of (if not the most) famous pieces written by the French composer Claude Debussy.   I have been working on Debussy’s “Clair de lune” for just over 4 months now.   With much pride, I can finally say: “I have finally learned to play it!”   Am I any good at playing it?   Well, there is always room for improvement.   I can execute the long left hand runs with out problem, but I need to work on making the melody clearer.   I also, at times, have a tendency to play faster than needed, which from my understanding, is common with fledgling pianists.   I certainly learned a lot and am looking forward to tackling a new piece of music, but not before I polish “Clair de lune” a bit more.

I also need to give some serious credit, and thanks, to Hugh Sung for posting the extremely instructive video lessons: Clair de lune from Scratch.   I began learning this piece very shortly after learning Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14 movement 1.   I was able to play the first several measures of “Clair de lune” just by reading the sheet music, but quickly came to the realization that I was in over my head as a beginner.   In an effort to gauge how difficult the piece was by watching others on YouTube, I came across Hugh’s piano lessons.   Hugh breaks the music down into very digestible pieces for beginners.   He also covers basic music notation as well, which helped me sharpen my music notation reading ability.   What I liked most is that he gives alternate fingerings for complex sections of the piece.   Although I have found a more “traditional” fingering for “Clair de lune” easier in some sections,   Hugh gave me the ability to select what felt most comfortable while trying to learn to play “Clair de lune.”   So, if you are an interested beginner, visit the link above and check it out for yourself, but I have to tell you that as of this posting, only up through measure 42 is covered.   Even still, there is a lot of great information in those lessons.   You won’t be disappointed.

-Tim