Outstanding biography of one of the most creative and innovative composers in Western Music History. There was the music before Debussy, and then the music after him. Thank you for sharing this in-depth look at a genius that changed music forever.
Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. Debussy was my initial introduction to appreciate classical music since my early 20s. Now 66, it opened up a world that I’ve enjoyed. As an amateur classical guitarist and playing Debussy has been a most intimate experience as the notes resonate with my fingers and my appreciation of his music is heightened substantially. His compositions are extremely difficult to play on guitar as they were not written originally for the instrument. Learning about his personal life, its ups and downs, his frailties and mistakes humanizes, my perception of him aside from his extraordinary genius. Thank you for your effort!
This video was great - thank you so much for creating it and sharing. You've taught me many things about Claude Debussy in this short time, and it's very clear that he was in love with the water, isn't that right, Susan... Waterfall. ☺ Also, around 51:00 to 53:00 we can hear roosters in the background. They always make me chuckle 😂 Thank you for sharing, you're lovely, have a wonderful summer.
Pure gold! Thank you. I especially appreciated the extended excerpt you chose from Nuages, the first of the 3 Nocturnes. Except when I'm reminded of the looming presence of La Mer, I'm always inclined to think of Nuages as the most magical and characteristic of all his compositions. Possible point of confusion for your viewers @44:33: "This [avoidance of half-step resolutions] was in total contrast to German music." True, but NOT in contrast to Wagner! In that connection, this video made me aware of a wonderful little paradox: While Debussy was desperately trying to do something new in the shadow of Wagner, it turns out that he and Wagner actually wound up doing "the same thing but differently": Wagner's "Tristan chord" (etc.) and Debussy's use of the whole-tone scale (etc.) are two different ways of leaving traditional "German" tonality behind forever. Coming at this from the opposite direction, I now understand why someone once remarked that what Wagner was really doing was "trying to be French" in the context of German audiences who mistakenly assumed he was trying to be the Ultimate German, so to speak.
Thank you for these wonderful presentations. I can't understand why there aren't any decent documentaries made about Debussy and Ravel....and Handel for that matter
thank you so much for your work. I would have loved the lecture alone but I especially appreciated the music and pictures being interwoven into the timeline. Please know that for every comment you have 100 more quiet appreciators... including Debussy's spirit.
Another great job thank you. You forgot to mention the Sonata for flute, viola and harp, the dances sacred and profane for harp and string orchestra and the solo flute piece Sirinx.
I discovered you Susan yesterday with your presentation of Ravel. Now Debussy. Both are simply wonderful. Merci du fond du cœur. Hoping to hear you on Faure and Poulenc. 😉
The...fontaine of...the god partitions are almost in fine deep romantique....always....classique class for my self work....viva claudius thanks your faithfully so much your honestly....
Outstanding biography of one of the most creative and innovative composers in Western Music History. There was the music before Debussy, and then the music after him. Thank you for sharing this in-depth look at a genius that changed music forever.
You bring these people to life in a great way! Thank you!
This video was a masterpiece, and really satisfied my curiosity to comprehend the music, as well as the man and circumstances behind the music.
Thank you for such a thorough presentation! Hope to see more in the future. ❤❤❤
Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. Debussy was my initial introduction to appreciate classical music since my early 20s. Now 66, it opened up a world that I’ve enjoyed. As an amateur classical guitarist and playing Debussy has been a most intimate experience as the notes resonate with my fingers and my appreciation of his music is heightened substantially. His compositions are extremely difficult to play on guitar as they were not written originally for the instrument. Learning about his personal life, its ups and downs, his frailties and mistakes humanizes, my perception of him aside from his extraordinary genius. Thank you for your effort!
Thank You Susan
Debussy is my favorite composer of all time. My love of classical music started because of La Mer.
This video was great - thank you so much for creating it and sharing.
You've taught me many things about Claude Debussy in this short time, and it's very clear that he was in love with the water, isn't that right, Susan... Waterfall. ☺
Also, around 51:00 to 53:00 we can hear roosters in the background. They always make me chuckle 😂
Thank you for sharing, you're lovely, have a wonderful summer.
What a gift .......such a thoughtful portrayal of a composer known (to me, at least) mostly for a few familiar works.......thank you so much.....
Pure gold! Thank you. I especially appreciated the extended excerpt you chose from Nuages, the first of the 3 Nocturnes. Except when I'm reminded of the looming presence of La Mer, I'm always inclined to think of Nuages as the most magical and characteristic of all his compositions.
Possible point of confusion for your viewers @44:33: "This [avoidance of half-step resolutions] was in total contrast to German music."
True, but NOT in contrast to Wagner! In that connection, this video made me aware of a wonderful little paradox: While Debussy was desperately trying to do something new in the shadow of Wagner, it turns out that he and Wagner actually wound up doing "the same thing but differently": Wagner's "Tristan chord" (etc.) and Debussy's use of the whole-tone scale (etc.) are two different ways of leaving traditional "German" tonality behind forever. Coming at this from the opposite direction, I now understand why someone once remarked that what Wagner was really doing was "trying to be French" in the context of German audiences who mistakenly assumed he was trying to be the Ultimate German, so to speak.
Thank you for these wonderful presentations. I can't understand why there aren't any decent documentaries made about Debussy and Ravel....and Handel for that matter
at 1 hour and 7 minutes in - the European orchestra playing "Iberia" - they are so vivacious, and thoroughly engaged with the music! DELIGHTFUL!
Thank you Susan for this biographical film of one of my favorite composers.
I found it very inspirational :)
thank you so much for your work. I would have loved the lecture alone but I especially appreciated the music and pictures being interwoven into the timeline. Please know that for every comment you have 100 more quiet appreciators... including Debussy's spirit.
This video is AMAZING. Such a well put together and well written video!👍👍
Oh My! Susan ~ Your Documentary is an Absolute pleasure to behold! - The BEST one on Debussy I have seen on UA-cam! Merci!
Thank very much for this excellent biography of the composer who turned music into liquid.
Magnificent!
Another great job thank you. You forgot to mention the Sonata for flute, viola and harp, the dances sacred and profane for harp and string orchestra and the solo flute piece Sirinx.
So moving and so helpful. Thank you. I dream of you talking about Prokofiev and Stravinsky....
yesss please do episodes about them! :D
Absolutely love using his scores though my synthesizers.😁
🎶🎹🎶Play On
a very informative presentation of the world of Debussy !
Susan, your brilliant UA-cam bios of great composers are much appreciated. I just listened to your Ravel bio and was in awe of your scholarship!
thank you loved this presentation
This was so well done.
Really interesting, Debussy's music still sounds modern
I discovered you Susan yesterday with your presentation of Ravel. Now Debussy. Both are simply wonderful. Merci du fond du cœur. Hoping to hear you on Faure and Poulenc. 😉
Great video! Thank you so much :)
Yes please
A wonderful biography. His music is so satisfying. Thank you!
Very interesting. Thank you..
Brilliant and thanks again for such an enlightening piece.
I really enjoyed watching!
I’d like to comment that to me, there was already “french“ music, from Fauré, for example.
Thank you so much for making this
Thank you for your work! Very nice and informative.
This is great, thank you!!!
The...fontaine of...the god partitions are almost in fine deep romantique....always....classique class for my self work....viva claudius thanks your faithfully so much your honestly....