Claude Debussy's Pianistic Vision
Website for the documentary film
Watch a sample of the Debussy Film above.
If you are interested in buying the DVD from my November 2009 Netherlands Tour please click on the PayPal link and submit payment for $22 USD this will include standard First Class mailing in a paper DVD sleeve. Donations toward the Debussy Film are also accepted!
Debussy's famous piano piece Clair de lune performed 11.30.2009 in The Hague
11.28.2009 Performance of Debussy's Feux d'artifice in the Hague, Netherlands.
Claude Debussy Museum in Saint Germain en-Laye, France, set to "The Girl With the Flaxen Hair"
This site is an exploration of the inspiration, imagination, and visual influences on Claude Debussy's piano music from 1889-1915. I am particularly interested in how light, nature, and the visual stimulation Debussy experienced in Paris influenced his "vision" and the gestures and colors found in his piano works. Preludes for piano, Pagodes with Tokyo footage, Reflections on the Water, Clair de lune, "Chansons de Bilitis sung by UT Facutly member Rose Taylor", and "La Mer" will illustrate how Debussy changed the course of music.
The film was well-received in The Hague, NL. Cinematographer Nancy Schiesari (PBS film about Hansel Mieth and 20 years with the BBC) reshot the Peter Bay interview, I am writing a screenplay and will return to Paris in March 2010 to shoot more. I will have Phillipe Bertaud narrate Debussy's letters and another narrator tell my story of Debussy. I hope to travel to the Eastman School and film the autograph of La Mer and interview Marie Rolf about the score. I need to acquire funding for this and other aspects of the film.
Watch an 11 minute sample from the film that incorporates interviews with Debussy scholars James Briscoe, Roy Howat, Marie Rolf, Richard Langham Smith; pianists Stewart Gordon and Daniel Pollack, composer Manfred Bleffert, and May 2009 material with Austin Symphony Conductor Peter Bay including discussion and demonstration of parts of La Mer.
Quotes from recent screenings:
"I loved the way the photography reflected the music/commentary of the film"
"I loved the imagery in combination with the music!"
"All the footage is amazing!"
"I liked the variety of people interviewed"
"The music was so beautiful and well-played!"