I have just been loving this peice lately and wondered what your views are on the piece. I have found the sheet music for it which should be coming in the post tomorrowish. I have been warned though! I understand that it is considered to be one of Debussy's most difficult peices technically, also Debussy's music is often hard to express in my opinion. Is there anyone who knows this peice particularly well? I'd appreciate it if i could get some advice, so i can prepare for the challenge thats making its way to my front door i especially notice, from what i hear when listening to the music, that those trills and runs sound very difficult! Any advice on this? Thankyou

yep... Debussy is very expressive, as seen from his Arabesque No. 1 for grade 8 piano. Although the notes are easy to catch, it's difficult to bring out the melody while making sure the harmonic notes flow fluently bar to bar.

is first arabesque really a grade 8-level piece? in that case... i'm getting signed up for the exam!

Yes Arabesque 1 is Grade 8. But L'Isle Joyeuse is much harder. Probably his hardest is Feux D'Artifice from Preludes Book 2

I certainly wouldn't say it's his most difficult........I think there are preludes harder........although I don't know much of his music, I have to admit.

I got his Etudes for my recent birthday... and I must admit I could not sight read!!!
I may study one of them perhaps during a long summer's vacation, ie.when i have more time!