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There’s no denying that Debussy’s lush, lyrical and well-known piece for solo piano is a rich source of unique harmonies, unconventional scales, and other staples of Impressionism. Arranged by Daniel Lesieur for marimba duet and maintaining the integrity of the original composition, much of the challenge in this piece comes in the finesse required for two marimbists to function as a single pianist would.
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
“Clair de Lune” is one of Claude Debussy’s most popular works. The familiar piece has been a favorite of arrangers in a variety of instrumental settings. In his arrangement for marimba duet, Daniel Lesieur aims to “maintain the integrity of the original composition.” The marimba was a wise choice. The calming tone the instrument is able to achieve enhances the lyrical quality of the source material. At times, Lesieur adds rolls to create the sustaining aura of the original work. However, the original material does not always allow this to happen. In these instances, a wet sounding hall could help enhance the sonorous sound of the marimba.
Four-mallet technique is required for both marimbists. While the individual parts are not extremely technically demanding, the performers will be challenged from an ensemble standpoint. Communication, sensitivity, and nuance are vital if a duo is to achieve the same expressive spectrum as a solo pianist. There are numerous recordings available for a duo to make interpretive decision. Debussy’s music is usually very well received and this arrangement will add variety to a collegiate recital.
—Darin Olson
Percussive Notes
Vol. 53, No. 1, March 2015
There’s no denying that Debussy’s lush, lyrical and well-known piece for solo piano is a rich source of unique harmonies, unconventional scales, and other staples of Impressionism. Arranged by Daniel Lesieur for marimba duet and maintaining the integrity of the original composition, much of the challenge in this piece comes in the finesse required for two marimbists to function as a single pianist would.
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
“Clair de Lune” is one of Claude Debussy’s most popular works. The familiar piece has been a favorite of arrangers in a variety of instrumental settings. In his arrangement for marimba duet, Daniel Lesieur aims to “maintain the integrity of the original composition.” The marimba was a wise choice. The calming tone the instrument is able to achieve enhances the lyrical quality of the source material. At times, Lesieur adds rolls to create the sustaining aura of the original work. However, the original material does not always allow this to happen. In these instances, a wet sounding hall could help enhance the sonorous sound of the marimba.
Four-mallet technique is required for both marimbists. While the individual parts are not extremely technically demanding, the performers will be challenged from an ensemble standpoint. Communication, sensitivity, and nuance are vital if a duo is to achieve the same expressive spectrum as a solo pianist. There are numerous recordings available for a duo to make interpretive decision. Debussy’s music is usually very well received and this arrangement will add variety to a collegiate recital.
—Darin Olson
Percussive Notes
Vol. 53, No. 1, March 2015
