Estampes - Debussy

Question 1

Describe the context for Estampes by Debussy

Answer 1

He was exploring some of the main elements of his impressionist style.

Question 2

MRS HITT Pagodes

Answer 2

Structure - The ‘gong’ sounds continue as a pedal for the first 10 bars, before they’re replaced by a low G#.

Question 3

Context for La Soiree dans Grenade

Answer 3

Debussy was attracted to the exoticism of Spanish culture. The title of his piece means ‘Evening in Grenada’. Grenada is a town where Moorish invaders from Morocco settled centuries ago. Their influence remains to this day in music.

Question 4

MRS HITT La Soiree dans Grenade

Answer 4

Rhythm - is based on the habanera (originally a Cuban dance) and spread to Spain. Debussy refers to it in the beginning - ‘habanera tempo’. The rhythm is very fluid - like the improvisation that’s important in flamenco style.
Melody - The melody at the beginning of bar 7 is like a Moorish lament. It has extreme dissonance. Conjunct.
Tempo - there are frequent changes of tempo like rubato and many others.
Harmony - There is a continuous inverted pedal C# (the tonic of this section)
Texture - Pianist needs to cross hands - cross rhythms.

Question 5

Can you give links?

Answer 5

Pagodes - miroirs by Ravel - cross rhythms.
La Soiree dans Grenade - Granados Goyescas uses habanera rhythm.