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: The Debussy CD I recorded in December 2012 in Zurich is ready! For more information and to order check my blog The CD is for sale at Jecklin Music in Zurich, Alhambra Music in Lugano, and will be online at Amazon and i-tunes.
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. A version was shown March 21-24 by G Henle Verlag in their booth at the Frankfurt Musikmesse. I will show an updated version at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX June 1st as part of their Brown Lecture Series. In the morning I will also give a presentation on the making of the film, including videos and playing. 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.
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!"