So far in these musical inspirations posts I have covered artists who still currently release music. I would say I am more influenced by the fusion of modern classical and jazz/dance/rock genres which is why I am drawn to the likes of Einaudi, Arnalds, Hisaishi and Uematsu. However, one of the early pioneers towards this fusion was Claude Debussy.
I remember being completely captivated when I heard “Clair De Lune” for the first time and even now it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. One chord in particular effected me the most. The first chord of the Tempo Rubato section is a E flat minor 9th chord and it is stunning. Hauntingly beautiful.
I then went out and bought a CD of his greatest piano works. It's a bit of an eclectic mix but the gems hidden in the catalogue are wonderul. Obviously, “Clair De Lune” and “Arabesque No1” are front and centre for good reason as they are stunning, however, over played for my liking. I always get students ask to learn these 2 pieces and it's a shame as there are some other wonderful pieces to unearth.
I do particularly like his more impressionistic pieces such as “The Girl With The Flaxen Hair” and “Reverie” and these have influenced my more recent compositions such as “Grace Dancing” as I like the watercolour effect that these paint. I also really like the 1st movement from “Suite Bergamasque” for that initial burst of colour to the whole suite.
Growing up and having to play and learn classical music, I could appreciate the baroque and classical eras of music but I was always drawn to the overly expressive nature from the romantic era and the early 20th century styles. These pieces moved me and made me feel a connection that I just didn't really resonate with from the earlier years on classical music. I really liked the first forays into jazz chords and extended harmonies which I probably appreciate even more now. Debussy, Chopin, Greig and Liszt are held more dearly to me. I mention Debussy here though more so than the others as he definitely has effected my style more than the other composers. So thank you Claude for the introduction into seeing a new world of classical music.
