Ive been working on this piece the last few days and so far its dreadful, I was hoping someone here could offer some advice. Im getting frustrated. The chords arent very firm, the melody doesnt seem to stand out that much. It sounds kinda rough in places, or not very smooth I mean. I havent much of an idea what im supposed to be doing, like what its supposed to be about or anything ( I know clair de lune is something to do with moonlight...).I sound more or less like im just playing random stuff. I suppose I really just wanted to vent but if anyone can offer any advice at all on this piece it really would be greatly appreciated....

This is SO Debussy of the Preludes and I know this one though I don't play it. Has it been set as an exam piece?

You know what I'm going to suggest? Firstly, you listen to all the Preludes just to get the moods of these pieces and Debussy's piano generally. If you can, borrow a CD from the library or buy one but check the recommendations to ensure you get a good one!

Secondly, those little leaps at the start, the accents and runs have to be very light to set the mood of this piece. You can listen to the opening now if you browse a site like Amazon or Tower Records if
samples are given. Call up the Advanced Search and search on Debussy / Preludes / instrument: piano, if you have the choice. It's a little less sedate than Clair de Lune!

I think the title means the terrace of the aucience(s) of moonlight.

Edit: Looking through the CD catalogue there's little choice with the Book 2 set. A few compilations contain this Prelude and one of them might help. Naxos has one.

Think it means something like "Spectator Terraces in the moonlight" I think? fluent French speakers among us help!!!

Sorry, Kate, I added my interpretation of the title too late to catch yours. Yes please, any French speakers around? But I think we caught the essence of it.

Somewhat surreal like the Drowned Cathedral!

the piece is based on a published account of the Indian Durbar of 1912. Literally, the title translates to: "The terrace of the moonlight's audience"

the "durbar" of 1911 was the coronation of King George V as emperor of india, where the people of India offered their "dutiful homage and allegiance" to the british crown. that of the following year may simply have been another visit, or tour. the word itself means the reception of a british sovereign by the indian state.

to be honest i don't know how this links to the moonlight, but i'm certain that's the origin of the piece. the "terrace" must be the spectator's terrace where the indians stood to watch the coronation. (though keep in mind i'm not indian, nor do i have any knowledge of their culture or history - i could be getting parts wrong here!)

...not sure that helps really, but still, you learn something new every day and today this is it.

well, i'll be beigertered!

What's that?

There must be stories behind a lot of his Prelude titles and other pieces. I wonder about L'isle Joyeuse at times, not that I can play it.

thanks all!!!