Nocturnes (Debussy)

The Trois Nocturnes (1900), and Les Nocturnes, are an orchestral work by the French composer Claude Debussy. They are considered as an important work of musical impressionism, thus forming the transition between the music of the Romantic and Modern.

Formation

The three sets were inspired by a series of impressionist paintings by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, so Entitled " Nocturnes ". Debussy had the idea for this Nocturnes in 1892, but composed it until between 1897 and 1899. November 9, 1900, the first performance took place. Debussy wrote in a foreword:

The work aroused the enthusiasm of the audience and earned him though little money, but extremely well received by music critics.

Sets

The three sets are:

Style

The three pieces are different. Nuages ​​is a quiet, extremely atmospheric prelude with an opaque, diffuse mood. The piece ends with a somber bass tremolo. Fêtes is a fast, symphonic piece, which is crossed by a characteristic trumpet melody. Sirènes is again a little quieter, but of the spirit by clearer and more melancholic than Nuages ​​, Debussy is setting a wordless female chorus. The total duration of Nocturnes is approximately 26 minutes.

Occupation

  • 3 flutes,
  • 2 oboes,
  • English horn,
  • 2 Clarinets
  • 3 bassoon
  • 4 Horns
  • 3 Trumpets
  • 3 trombones,
  • Tuba
  • Timpani,
  • Snare drum,
  • Cymbals,
  • 2 harps,
  • Women's Choir
  • String Instruments

Reception

Later arrangements

  • The complete work was transcribed for two pianos by Maurice Ravel.
  • Fêtes was transcribed from English pianist Leonard Borwick for a piano, and recorded by Emil Gilels, along with other works.
  • Fêtes was transcribed by Merlin Patterson for a wooden band. (2007).
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