Sonata for Cello and Piano in d minor
(1915) Claude Debussy
Prologue;
Serenade; Finale
The Cello Sonata was the first of a group of six
projected sonatas for various instrumental combinations, of which Debussy only completed
three before his death.
This Sonata evokes the 18th century of the poems of
Verlaine and the paintings of Watteau. It is said that the Cello Sonata was
originally to be titled "Pierrot fâché avec la lune" (Pierrot angry
with the moon). This brief work is marked by the clarity and concision one has
come to expect from French composers. It is modeled on the Baroque sonata,
rather than the complex, large-scale works of Beethoven and Schubert. The
overall mood is sad, yet ironic. The second movement framed by a prologue and
finale Serenade is particularly striking in the use of the cello to suggest a
guitar or lute being strummed and plucked: Pierrot serenading the moon. Kenneth Olsen
Classical Music | Cello Music
Claude Debussy
Sonata for Cello and Piano Play
Recorded on 08/14/2007, uploaded on 01/13/2009
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
Sonata for Cello and Piano in d minor (1915) Claude Debussy
Prologue; Serenade; Finale
The Cello Sonata was the first of a group of six projected sonatas for various instrumental combinations, of which Debussy only completed three before his death.
This Sonata evokes the 18th century of the poems of Verlaine and the paintings of Watteau. It is said that the Cello Sonata was originally to be titled "Pierrot fâché avec la lune" (Pierrot angry with the moon). This brief work is marked by the clarity and concision one has come to expect from French composers. It is modeled on the Baroque sonata, rather than the complex, large-scale works of Beethoven and Schubert. The overall mood is sad, yet ironic. The second movement framed by a prologue and finale Serenade is particularly striking in the use of the cello to suggest a guitar or lute being strummed and plucked: Pierrot serenading the moon. Kenneth Olsen
More music by Claude Debussy
Soiree dans Grenade, from Estampes
Rapsodie (arr. Rousseau)
Beau Soir
Reflets dans l’eau, from Images, Book 1
Ondine, from Préludes Book II
Bruyères, from Préludes Book 2, No. 5
Pagodes, from Estampes
General Lavine – eccentric, from Préludes Book II
Ondine, from Préludes Book II
Pour le Piano: Tocatta
Performances by same musician(s)
Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 in e minor
Polonaise Brillante in C major Op.3 for Cello and Piano
Le Grand Tango for Cello and Piano
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