Debussy and the Piano

Series produced by WQXR

Caption: Claude Debussy
Claude Debussy 

To mark the 150th birthday of Claude Debussy, WQXR is offering a five-episode series dedicated to Debussy’s works for piano hosted by David Dubal.

The works Debussy created for the piano demonstrate all the qualities that make him one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. The pieces are, by turns, iconoclastic, playful, challenging and accessible.

Each day at 6 pm from Aug. 20-24, join Dubal, a distinguished pianist, author and teacher at Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music, as he interweaves snippets from Debussy’s letters with observations about the artists who have brought the music to life over the years. Dubal also offers comparative performances of Debussy’s composition, showing how each soloist infuses the music with something new.

Show 01: Highlights include a vintage recording of Debussy playing from the “Children’s Corner Suite,” an explanation of why Debussy wasn’t a fan of Beethoven, and an exploration on how France and French culture influenced his aesthetic.

Show 02: Highlights include exploration of Debussy’s piano music that deals with pictures of the natural world, and Dubal also reveals Debussy was a man of difficult ways.

Show 03: Highlights include performances of Debussy’s piano music, and a comparative performance of “The Dance of Puck” with a performance by the composer.

Show 04: Highlights include an examination of the composer’s life through his correspondences with patrons and colleagues.

Show 05: Highlights include a deep dive into the personal life of the composer during the period spent composing his greatest works. Hide full description

The works Debussy created for the piano demonstrate all the qualities that make him one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. The pieces are, by turns, iconoclastic, playful, challenging and accessible. Each day at 6 pm from Aug. 20-24, join Dubal, a distinguished pianist, author and teacher at Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music, as he interweaves snippets from Debussy’s letters with observations about the artists who have brought the music to life over the years. Dubal also offers comparative performances of Debussy’s composition, showing how each soloist infuses the music with something new. Show 01: Highlights include a vintage recording of Debussy playing from the “Children’s Corner Suite,” an explanation of why Debussy wasn’t a fan of Beethoven, and an... Show full description


Additional Files

0 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First