Claude Debussy's Pianistic Vision

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 and in his home on Ave Foch influenced his "vision" and the gestures and colors found in his piano works. The Preludes, Images, Pagodes with select Tokyo footage, Clair de lune, "Chansons de Bilitis sung by UT Facutly member Rose Taylor", and "La Mer" will be included in the film.

4/15/2009: I completed a new preview, seen below, with a range of interviews and footage from Paris. It is rough, may change completely, and does not include my analysis and demonstration.
Debussy light and Impressionism from Piano 4 Film on Vimeo.

I interviewed Debussy scholars James Briscoe, Roy Howat, Marie Rolf, Richard Langham Smith, pianists Stewart Gordon and Daniel Pollack, and composer Manfred Bleffert. These interviews, and my discussions with Pierre Jacquard, whose grandfather Charles Domergue sponsored the premiere of Images II at his salon concerts, are shaping the film. May 2009 material with Austin Symphony Conductor Peter Bay includes a discussion and demonstration of parts of La Mer. This clip is from the May 14th and 19th 2009 sessions with Peter Bay: