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, "La Flute de Pan", and "La Mer" will be included in the film.

I completed a 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.

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. January 2009 material with Austin Symphony Conductor Peter Bay will include a discussion and demonstration of parts of La Mer. In addition, discussion and performance of a Debussy song with UT vocal professor Rose Taylor will augment my own demonstrations and analysis of selected piano works.