With a different title, I might be less inclined to nitpick about this. Only about half of the video is devoted to Debussy. Of the music by Debussy that was heard as the soundtrack for the video, three of the pieces were written for piano and one for voice and piano. All were heard here in orchestrated versions - most or all of which were not by Debussy. And a slightly larger complaint - I feel that ALL the music in the soundtrack should be identified ON SCREEN while it's being played so that people who don't know the titles but like a particular piece can later track it down. Good intentions and decent writing (almost certainly by non-musicians), and Simon Callow is a treasure but as a video about the "rebellious spirit of Debussy" I can only give it a passing grade. And yes, I know that I'm a pompous pedant.
I agree! Not that you’re pompous, at all… the Debussy music chosen was far from rebellious. The 2nd book of piano preludes, Jeux, and the Violin, and Cello Sonatas - definitely! …also the incidental music for Bilitis- aka Antique Epigraphs was remarkable! Program did better with Ravel. Mother Goose Suite is Terrific!
This is a very delightful and useful video. I loved every minute of it. Simon Callow is wonderful, funny full of useful information and gorgeous. Good job, everyone.
I know I'm supposed to like the more traditional classical composers, and of course I do like them most of the time. My favorite is Debussy. I don't know why. I don't know enough music theory to explain why I like him. He's been accused of being an impressionist, with nothing serious to say. I don't agree. I love the way he layers chords on top of each other. In fact, to me, this sounds French, because French fashion, food and art does exactly the same thing. Thank you for making this video.
You like who and what you like! There's no "supposed to" about it. And believe me when I tell you that REAL classical musicians would tell you that if you happen not to like Bach, Beethoven or any other big name, there's nothing wrong with that! Part of the beauty of art: being able to make one's own judgements about it and not having to adopt other people's.
I thought the same of the lengthy introduction, and it seems that the narrator would like to magnify the narrative effects by such contrivances, but it can test our expectation (our wits) which, with some endurance (add the intrusive ads and other distractions), we may finally arrive at the gist of the subject-matter in hand. Nevertheless, for the more patient and cultured, it is worth the efforts. It is not easy to say whether a short video, taking such goodly swath of introductory embellishments, could enhance the desired effects, which is to capture the viewer’s attention from the outset? That said, one is bound to admit that these documentaries, despite the narrator’s fondness for an architectural backlog of informations and history, are highly recommended and even of the highest rank. One could say that is natural to the British people, with their distinct accent, to win our admiration as the quintessence or epitome of intellectualism and refined culture.
this series would be better is 1. the lead in wasnt so damned loud 3. if the build up was not almosdt a full 2 minutes of the same thing of each subset of the series
@@nasirferguson4098 Yes. I don't know how much exactly but my family name was changed from DeBussy to Bussey when we came to America in the 1800s. My grandma told me about it when I was little and I had no idea who Claude was.
@@billybussey oh, well maybe you are of the bloodline of him! That would be so cool. In the family I’m polish and French, it’s rumored one of my great grandmothers (I’m not sure how many greats) was a friend and student of Chopin
I am concerned. Mr. Callow appears to be suffering from an attack by radio-busters. His stillted words betray the attack. When I heard the sounds from an attack on our American cellphone towers, it sounds exactly the same: pulses of sound, interrupted repeatedly in short bursts. Please rest a while, everyone. We still have at least 24 hours of the rest period from the twelve days of Christmas.
I heard Jefferson Airplane perform at the Fillmore In SF back in the wild hippie days of ancient lore. We were all rather stoned, of course, it was hypnotic and fun...
what is this sweet orchestral piece to start us iff? Violin and joy? why are non of the pieces mentioned? please gelo" dear friends! Thank You in advance. the violin piece comes back at the mentioning of Notre Dame
@@jacobscardino4330 it's not a "song" It's a jingle composed for the programme. There's literally no more than the bars you hear over and over and over again. Play it in SoundHound if you want proof!
@@thesolitarycyclist9005 okay, I see what this is. Judging by the 3 redacted comments that have shown up in my notifications, you appear to be a guy looking for a heated back and forth with someone in the UA-cam comments, I won’t give it to you. I’ll just leave it at this: “WOW, it’d sure be nice if somebody knew the name of the mediocre composer that composed this stupid infantile jingle heard at the beginning of this UA-cam documentary, because even though it’s so bland and boring and not up to the Cotswold cyclists standard of excellence, I happen to really dig it in it’s stupid simplicity.” Have a nice day chap!
I thought the same of the lengthy introduction, and it seems that the narrator would like to magnify the narrative effects by such contrivances, but it can test our expectation (our wits) which, with some endurance (add the intrusive ads and other distractions), we may finally arrive at the gist of the subject-matter in hand. Nevertheless, for the more patient and cultured, it is worth the efforts. It is not easy to say whether a short video, taking such goodly swath of introductory embellishments, could enhance the desired effects, which is to capture the viewer’s attention from the outset? That said, one is bound to admit that these documentaries, despite the narrator’s fondness for an architectural backlog of informations and history, are highly recommended and even of the highest rank. One could said that is natural to the British people, with their distinct accent, to win our admiration as the quintessence or epitome of intellectualism and refined culture.
rambling is a good description of your post - plus highly pretentious - but that's your prerogative - and - no - when simon finally got around to debussy - he had nothing but babble - and a dreary sampling of his music - i gave the video.a thumbs down
@@johneyon5257 Ummm, let's recognize that Simon Callow is an ACTOR - not a musician. He's reading a script which he didn't write, and he's undoubtedly receiving at least some direction about the delivery of the script. He's just doing a job. The fault lies with the writing.
@@zenonorth1193 - wow - you really didn't understand my comments did you - when i called the narrative rambling - i'm talking about the content (ie the script) - i'm not talking about Callow's delivery
@@johneyon5257 I think maybe I clicked the wrong "reply"....By the time I sent that comment I had read so many comments that assumed that Callow was apparently spontaneously holding forth on the subject that I had allowed myself to get in a "YT Comment Rage Fugue" - Ok, I just made that shit up. Anyway, I'm old enough, I should know it don't amount to a hill of beans. Re-reading your comments, I clearly see that you weren't accusing Callow of being the writer of the episode. So, I apologize for sending my "recreational outrage" in the wrong direction.
What else should they sound like? Would you prefer Pee Wee Herman? Johnny Cash? Vincent Price? Peter Lorre? How about Betty Boop? Carrol Channing? Or you could have Mae West? Mr. Callow sounds just fine.
@@heidimiller642 Anyone without a wanky posy accent. Almost anyone on DW news would be wonderful. Most people on the BBC would be a significant improvement. I don't see the point of sounding like a really annoying snobby social climber. After all, there's nothing wrong with the music. Why screw up the text that way?
@@heidimiller642 And how many (damn) times does it have to be said: Simon Callow is an ACTOR. He's not a musician and he's not a music critic. He is reading a script he didn't write and undoubtedly receiving at least SOME direction on how he should deliver the script.
Click bait title exploiting the names Debussy & Ravel only to have an advertisement for Paris tourism then a narrator who seemingly has a stroke every sentence. 👎
Very weak episode. Long boring intro about Paris. Not enough information about Debussy himself. All these claims made about him or his music but never explained in depth why or how. Annoying host, how to say little with much words.
What a cheesy introductionary piece of "muzak" for a series about the great composers. Debussy must be spinning in his grave! PS: get Waldemar rather to narrate!!
One of the best series on UA-cam! Thanks for this. I've enjoyed them all so far and am looking forward to the next ones.
Thank you so much for starting our new year with absolute musical beauty 💐🌸🌺
With a different title, I might be less inclined to nitpick about this. Only about half of the video is devoted to Debussy. Of the music by Debussy that was heard as the soundtrack for the video, three of the pieces were written for piano and one for voice and piano. All were heard here in orchestrated versions - most or all of which were not by Debussy. And a slightly larger complaint - I feel that ALL the music in the soundtrack should be identified ON SCREEN while it's being played so that people who don't know the titles but like a particular piece can later track it down. Good intentions and decent writing (almost certainly by non-musicians), and Simon Callow is a treasure but as a video about the "rebellious spirit of Debussy" I can only give it a passing grade.
And yes, I know that I'm a pompous pedant.
Well, at least you can admit it.
I think the host of this show pretty much defines pompous. You're not even close. 🤣
A world without truth is a realm of demons.
Sad but true.
I agree! Not that you’re pompous, at all… the Debussy music chosen was far from rebellious. The 2nd book of piano preludes, Jeux, and the Violin, and Cello Sonatas - definitely! …also the incidental music for Bilitis- aka Antique Epigraphs was remarkable! Program did better with Ravel. Mother Goose Suite is Terrific!
This is a very delightful and useful video. I loved every minute of it. Simon Callow is wonderful, funny full of useful information and gorgeous. Good job, everyone.
Thanks a lot for uploading this series!!
I know I'm supposed to like the more traditional classical composers, and of course I do like them most of the time. My favorite is Debussy. I don't know why. I don't know enough music theory to explain why I like him. He's been accused of being an impressionist, with nothing serious to say. I don't agree. I love the way he layers chords on top of each other. In fact, to me, this sounds French, because French fashion, food and art does exactly the same thing. Thank you for making this video.
You like who and what you like! There's no "supposed to" about it. And believe me when I tell you that REAL classical musicians would tell you that if you happen not to like Bach, Beethoven or any other big name, there's nothing wrong with that! Part of the beauty of art: being able to make one's own judgements about it and not having to adopt other people's.
For me, Debussy invented "the soundtrack for the mind"
😁🎶🎹🎶Play On
This is supposed to be about Debussy but it's just a travelogue for Paris.
Information about Claude Debussy starts at about 8:41.
It is called "Classical Destinations " for a reason.
This is fluff. The video, not the music. What mainly comes across is that Paris is jammed with cars.
Thanks.
This is the worst channel for clickbait shit on UA-cam 😂
I thought the same of the lengthy introduction, and it seems that the narrator would like to magnify the narrative effects by such contrivances, but it can test our expectation (our wits) which, with some endurance (add the intrusive ads and other distractions), we may finally arrive at the gist of the subject-matter in hand. Nevertheless, for the more patient and cultured, it is worth the efforts.
It is not easy to say whether a short video, taking such goodly swath of introductory embellishments, could enhance the desired effects, which is to capture the viewer’s attention from the outset?
That said, one is bound to admit that these documentaries, despite the narrator’s fondness for an architectural backlog of informations and history, are highly recommended and even of the highest rank. One could say that is natural to the British people, with their distinct accent, to win our admiration as the quintessence or epitome of intellectualism and refined culture.
Pelleas et Melisande is so beautiful!
Very good; well done..
Wonderful… but too short, pls make 60 min. Videos - they’re too good !
Excellent presentation !
this series would be better is 1. the lead in wasnt so damned loud 3. if the build up was not almosdt a full 2 minutes of the same thing of each subset of the series
Agree, music to loud, it hurts. And the overdue history of the city is unnecessary here.
Does anyone know of documentaries on Debussy and Ravel? They deserve at least two hours each.
"Debussy once commented, 'Music is the silence between the notes'."
Thankfully, Miles and Thelonious were paying attention.
I love to post this on every Debussy video I see but he’s a not so distant relative of mine. We even look a bit alike.
You’re related to him?
@@nasirferguson4098 Yes. I don't know how much exactly but my family name was changed from DeBussy to Bussey when we came to America in the 1800s. My grandma told me about it when I was little and I had no idea who Claude was.
@@billybussey oh, well maybe you are of the bloodline of him! That would be so cool. In the family I’m polish and French, it’s rumored one of my great grandmothers (I’m not sure how many greats) was a friend and student of Chopin
@@nasirferguson4098 Very cool. I am in Poland right now.
@@billybussey I wish I could go lol
talking about this period without mentioning G. Sati is incomplete
Erik?
That's nice !!, but can you do about erik satie ?
I am concerned. Mr. Callow appears to be suffering from an attack by radio-busters. His stillted words betray the attack. When I heard the sounds from an attack on our American cellphone towers, it sounds exactly the same: pulses of sound, interrupted repeatedly in short bursts. Please rest a while, everyone. We still have at least 24 hours of the rest period from the twelve days of Christmas.
So annoying. Even the subtitles cant keep up. Debussy's music became WC's music...
What string quartet / movement is the Australian chamber Orchestra playing?
Where is Waldek?
Assuming you mean Waldemar, the art presenter. This channel features several presenters on several subjects.
What an obnoxious advert intro - good grief! Fortunately the docu MORE than made up for it.
I suppose they have to make their money somehow .. but I agree about the documentary .. bravo
@@LindaCasey true - but my poor old ticker! I saw the title "Debussy" so I was lulled into a false sense of security, then... WHAM!
@@sebastianmelmoth685 🤣
I heard Jefferson Airplane perform at the Fillmore In SF back in the wild hippie days of ancient lore. We were all rather stoned, of course, it was hypnotic and fun...
@@emsnewssupkis6453 Hahaha! Was Claude Debussy their piano player? Or did you just lose track of where you were posting a comment?
what is this sweet orchestral piece to start us iff? Violin and joy? why are non of the pieces mentioned? please gelo" dear friends! Thank You in advance. the violin piece comes back at the mentioning of Notre Dame
I second poppy blossoms, that melody is very heartwarming, please tell us what the song and composer is?
They're just a few bars knocked together for the programme. Once you've heard it a few times believe me you will hit the FF button every time!
@@thesolitarycyclist9005 to each his own.
@@jacobscardino4330 it's not a "song" It's a jingle composed for the programme. There's literally no more than the bars you hear over and over and over again. Play it in SoundHound if you want proof!
@@thesolitarycyclist9005 okay, I see what this is. Judging by the 3 redacted comments that have shown up in my notifications, you appear to be a guy looking for a heated back and forth with someone in the UA-cam comments, I won’t give it to you. I’ll just leave it at this: “WOW, it’d sure be nice if somebody knew the name of the mediocre composer that composed this stupid infantile jingle heard at the beginning of this UA-cam documentary, because even though it’s so bland and boring and not up to the Cotswold cyclists standard of excellence, I happen to really dig it in it’s stupid simplicity.” Have a nice day chap!
They show the intact Notre Dame, not the destroyed church. And the music isn't Debussy?
Debussy's story doesn't start until 8:40 - the first part contains a rambling homage to Paris - there was nothing new
I thought the same of the lengthy introduction, and it seems that the narrator would like to magnify the narrative effects by such contrivances, but it can test our expectation (our wits) which, with some endurance (add the intrusive ads and other distractions), we may finally arrive at the gist of the subject-matter in hand. Nevertheless, for the more patient and cultured, it is worth the efforts.
It is not easy to say whether a short video, taking such goodly swath of introductory embellishments, could enhance the desired effects, which is to capture the viewer’s attention from the outset?
That said, one is bound to admit that these documentaries, despite the narrator’s fondness for an architectural backlog of informations and history, are highly recommended and even of the highest rank. One could said that is natural to the British people, with their distinct accent, to win our admiration as the quintessence or epitome of intellectualism and refined culture.
rambling is a good description of your post - plus highly pretentious - but that's your prerogative - and - no - when simon finally got around to debussy - he had nothing but babble - and a dreary sampling of his music - i gave the video.a thumbs down
@@johneyon5257 Ummm, let's recognize that Simon Callow is an ACTOR - not a musician. He's reading a script which he didn't write, and he's undoubtedly receiving at least some direction about the delivery of the script. He's just doing a job. The fault lies with the writing.
@@zenonorth1193 - wow - you really didn't understand my comments did you - when i called the narrative rambling - i'm talking about the content (ie the script) - i'm not talking about Callow's delivery
@@johneyon5257 I think maybe I clicked the wrong "reply"....By the time I sent that comment I had read so many comments that assumed that Callow was apparently spontaneously holding forth on the subject that I had allowed myself to get in a "YT Comment Rage Fugue" - Ok, I just made that shit up. Anyway, I'm old enough, I should know it don't amount to a hill of beans. Re-reading your comments, I clearly see that you weren't accusing Callow of being the writer of the episode. So, I apologize for sending my "recreational outrage" in the wrong direction.
Disappointing. I wanted to learn about Claude de Bussey!
You evidently didn't wait long enough. Debussey starts getting discussed about 1/3 way into it.
It is so very important that music critics sound so very posh. Just so, so important.
What else should they sound like? Would you prefer Pee Wee Herman? Johnny Cash? Vincent Price? Peter Lorre? How about Betty Boop? Carrol Channing? Or you could have Mae West? Mr. Callow sounds just fine.
@@heidimiller642 Anyone without a wanky posy accent. Almost anyone on DW news would be wonderful. Most people on the BBC would be a significant improvement. I don't see the point of sounding like a really annoying snobby social climber. After all, there's nothing wrong with the music. Why screw up the text that way?
@@heidimiller642 And how many (damn) times does it have to be said: Simon Callow is an ACTOR. He's not a musician and he's not a music critic. He is reading a script he didn't write and undoubtedly receiving at least SOME direction on how he should deliver the script.
Lightweight.
Can we not correctly say "Eifel" ? ? ?
That's how it's pronounced by the French.
Always finish on the Bach never in Debussy
Click bait title exploiting the names Debussy & Ravel only to have an advertisement for Paris tourism then a narrator who seemingly has a stroke every sentence. 👎
Debussy?....misleading title
its crazy you can make a 20 minute video and provide little to no information, this is why TV died.
Very weak episode. Long boring intro about Paris. Not enough information about Debussy himself. All these claims made about him or his music but never explained in depth why or how. Annoying host, how to say little with much words.
Come on. Debussy was famous for for his piano work not violin!
The narrator seems to emphasize more about the place rather than the composer...
Not the narrator. The writer(s). The narrator is an actor doing a job.
m
What a cheesy introductionary piece of "muzak" for a series about the great composers. Debussy must be spinning in his grave!
PS: get Waldemar rather to narrate!!
I like this guy much better than Waldemar.
I gave up after 8 monotonous minutes without a hint of Claude Debussy. Thumb down.