Debussy's Préludes, with 24 pieces across two books, echo the structure of Bach's Preludes and Fugues or Chopin's Préludes, but Debussy organizes them around 'pole notes' rather than tonal groupings.
Compositional Technique
Debussy deliberately placed the titles of his Préludes at the end of each piece, preceded by an ellipsis, possibly to emphasize the music's pre-eminence over visual programs.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Debussy stated that his music strives to be "nothing but melody" and that it is not limited to reproducing nature, but explores "mysterious connections between nature and the imagination."
Recording & Production
Alexander Melnikov performs on an Érard piano from his personal collection, which was restored in 2014 by Markus Fischinger.
Composer Biography
Claude Debussy, though a talented pianist, composed relatively little for the piano between 1880 and 1900, focusing instead on art songs, orchestral, chamber, and operatic works.
Composition History
Debussy transcribed his orchestral work La Mer for piano four-hands himself, completing it in September 1905, to make symphonic pieces known before the advent of radio or recordings.
