Claude Debussy's Pianistic Vision
Website for the documentary film
Tony Tobin giving a sample introduction to the Debussy film:
Part II of my Debussy Film:
Clair de Lune
Pagodes set to scenes of Tokyo live in performance in Wetzikon, Switzerland:
Canope set to scenes of Paris:
Paris Shadows Canope Claude Debussy from Piano 4 Film on Vimeo.
NEWS: I have been invited to present visual aspects of Debussy's piano music at the Netherlands conference of the European Piano Teachers Association in Nunspeet this November. I am very pleased to be invited and hope to start a dialog on my blog before and after the conference.
This site is an exploration of the inspiration, imagination, and visual influences on Claude Debussy's piano music from 1889-1915. I am particularly interested in how light, nature, and the visual stimulation Debussy experienced in Paris influenced his "vision" and the gestures and colors found in his piano works. Preludes for piano, Pagodes with Tokyo footage, Reflections on the Water, the First Arabesque, Clair de lune, "Chansons de Bilitis" sung by UT Facutly member Rose Taylor", and "La Mer" will illustrate how Debussy changed the course of music.
The film was well-received in The Hague, NL. Cinematographer Nancy Schiesari (PBS film about Hansel Mieth and 20 years with the BBC) re-shot the Peter Bay interview and told me the 45 minutes I have suggest the production values of a film with a $300,000 budget I am considering how to improve the film and clarify my initial vision. I returned to Paris in March and September 2010 to shoot more. I also interviewed composer Manfred Bleffert in Heiligenberg Germany and am making a separate film with him. I posted 8 minutes from this below.
Watch an 11 minute sample from the film that incorporates interviews with Debussy scholars James Briscoe, Roy Howat, Marie Rolf, Richard Langham Smith; pianists Stewart Gordon and Daniel Pollack, composer Manfred Bleffert, and May 2009 material with Austin Symphony Conductor Peter Bay including discussion and demonstration of parts of La Mer.
Quotes from recent screenings:
"I loved the way the photography reflected the music/commentary of the film"
"I loved the imagery in combination with the music!"
"All the footage is amazing!"
"I liked the variety of people interviewed"
"The music was so beautiful and well-played!"