Achille-Claude Debussy (22nd August 1862 – 25th March 1918) was a French co… Read Full Bio ↴Achille-Claude Debussy (22nd August 1862 – 25th March 1918) was a French composer. He was one of the most important figures in music at the turn of the 20th century; his music represents the transition from late-romantic to 20th century classical.

Debussy's most dramatic contribution to music history was his disregard for traditional chord structures and tonality. He is one of the most important exponents of the whole tone scale in classical music history. His compositions flowed without a strict sense of metre or rhythm, and are considered the pioneering works of the Impressionist genre of classical music, named in comparison with the visual arts movement.

Debussy's impact was far reaching. His free use of harmony, which often altogether disregarded the concepts of tertian harmony, has been cited as an influence on the rise of Jazz music later in the 20th century.

Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
Claude Debussy Lyrics

We have lyrics for these tracks by Claude Debussy:

My Reverie Our love is a dream, but in my reverie I can…
Reverie Our love is a dream, but in my reverie I can…
Suite bergamasque L. 75 No. 1: Prelude INSTRUMENTAL Let your power flow in this place Let your heal…

The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos

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01Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum

Claude Debussy

02Jimbo's Lullaby

03Serenade for the Doll

04The snow is dancing

05The little shepherd

06Golliwog's Cakewalk2:45

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Comments from YouTube:

@NACHOZMusic

3y↑110

To me, this song is like a dive into the mind of a prestigious scientist. The song feels thoughtful, focused, and optimistic. Beautiful rendition of it!

@clarinette5771

2y↑2

🥺🥺

@purplegoldcat7

1y↑1

Not a scientist but a pianist

@davidsallette6487

26w

Specifically, the composers mind as when he was a child ordered to practice a boring selection. His mind wanders and creates these little vignettes of color until the teacher walks back in and student resumes the prescribed practiced. ❤❤

@thiagopianist5960

4y↑172

Debussy is one of the greatest Composers

@idK-fq6mb

4y↑3

Thiago's Piano Channel indeed

@brenoweber1

3y↑1

Gostei do seu canal

@Magnet12

48w

He did not compose this. God composed it through him.

@oscarhample

6y↑758

I'm working on this right now, and for anyone that may be starting to work on it, it DOES look intimidating at first, but all of it is patterns. Once you memorize the patterns, it's only speed you need to work on. This piece is not hard, it just takes time.

@HollowDeathful

6y↑13

Evan Hample ur full of shit this is abrsm 8 lol

@carloscalatayud6003

6y↑43

There are loads of ABRSM pieced that are considered easy by some - Clair de Lune used to be one of them. But of course, we all have different definitions of easy based on our levels of ability.

@christopherscott3641

6y↑9

@HollowDeathful it's not to bad bro, henle 6 which is out of 9 so not impossible just practice, same lvl as Clair de lune

@artsymusician8041

5y↑7

true true! I am learning this, and within only two days I can play quite a but of this, it just sounds hard

@quickfingers7062

5y↑1

Evan Hample omg thank you for advice

22 More Replies...

@playandteach

3y↑84

Like so many Debussy pieces, you can love playing them at a much slower tempo. You are only performing them to yourself, and the harmonies don't mind going slower. Sure, for public performances there are accepted tempi, but for yourself, just play them for the music. They break my heart at a slower tempo.

@ydesdev1

2y↑8

Absolutely! The harmonies are so amazing and inventive that just letting them ring on a piano is an absolute joy! Sometimes I repeat certain bars because they sound incredible, like the 7th & 8th bar here for example.

@PurpleZebras150

This is so true. There are so many rich harmonies in Debussy's pieces that I can sit on for ages. Valse Romantique has a ton of those moments.

@jeffnunnally7225

1y↑5

I SOOO agree with this (although, ironically, not for this one). Most performances of Debussy just feel too fast for my taste. Much of the nuance is missing. I want to hear him wafting out onto the streets of Paris at night, not riding in the Tour de France.

@Jules.Rasquier

38w

Honestly i think that the beginning of the songs at 90 bpm is just so good

@Art_Music_and_Ideas

1y↑6

60 years ago, as a young teenager, a friend lent me the sheet music for "Doctor Gradus Ad Parnassum". Fascinated by the patterns and harmonics, I set to work. I learned to play it by heart, as rapidly as this demo, but lost touch with it over time, pursuing Broadway and Pop instead. Thank you for posting this. I have a feeling I am going to feel like a teenager again!

@Lunafeir

33w↑3

This performance always reminds me of how far I've come, and how far I've still to go.

@athinasvo

3y↑33

I recently performed this at a concert, with this as my guide! Thanks!🥰

@esophagus_now

4y↑1.3K

Couldn't remember the name, so my youtube search was "Doctor grates his Parmesan"

@jonelleli

4y↑87

LMAO that literally just lifted my mood up because I'm struggling on this piece and my exam is in a month. So thank you :)

@idK-fq6mb

4y↑10

Ooh 69 likes

@xandavius9610

4y↑22

@Jonelle Li I hope you figure it out! I'm currently teaching myself the piano, and I've taught myself most of Clair de Lune using YouTube. Next, I'm planning on doing La Cathedral Engloutie.

@IEEMAZ_Convoluted_14.2.8.5

4y↑1

@Pax 1 now 75

@IEEMAZ_Convoluted_14.2.8.5

4y↑1

Actually adding me, so 76 lol

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@evelynchao3348

3y↑13

In 8 or so years of playing this is one of my all time favorite pieces... so nostalgic

@joan.madrid

2y↑4

Belleza pura, en la composición e interpretación, muchas gracias.

@williamfeng9808

4y↑14

The speed sounds uneaven. Not even rubato, just, but otherwise, it is amazing. The way your hands can move. Amazing job, and I love those silken runs.

@popolala2160

6y↑97

what an amazing piece I have just discovered thanks for your hard work paul

@PaulBartonPiano

6y↑13

yes, it's is an amazing piece - glad you like it.

@IEEMAZ_Convoluted_14.2.8.5

@Paul Barton I hope you have a tutorial on this

@izzzyhere381

4y↑34

I don’t think I can play it as beautifully as you but that’s what I’m aspiring to be like! I’ve currently learnt up to bar 55 and I love this piece!

@ooo-fh8ju

How did it go?:)

@izzzyhere381

3y↑1

I finished learning the notes but now I’m polishing it, I took a break from it bc I thought I couldn’t use it for my grade 8 exam but turns out I can so I’ve picked it up again :))

@slavtrooper3851

@izzzyhere sorry if I ask but how old are you?

@izzzyhere381

@SlavTrooper 15 why?

@slavtrooper3851

2y↑1

@izzzyhere Just asking because I'm 14 and also doing this

@Apartekarate

6y↑76

Dear Paul

I am a loyal subscriber, and fan of your channel, and I have gotten a lot of inspiration and valuable guidance from your instructionals.
In my exploration of classical piano, I always return to Debussy. He is by far the one composer who has hit me the hardest.
I learned myself to play through his piece Passepied, but I have never been able to find any instructionals or analysis/explorations of that piece, and it riddles me. I cannot understand the piece on an intellectual level.
Your instructional on the Rachmaninof etude in d minor, has made it easier for me to understand the piece, and appreciate the harmonic developments and progression.
I would be very happy if you would make a similar instructional/analysis/exploration of Passepied.
I wish you and your family a happy Christmas.

@adrianoseresi3525

4y↑1

Toooo bad man.

@lawrenceyang9959

4y↑5

I’m learning this piece right now, and I think you played it very well.

@charlesdavis7087

6y↑6

Dear Paul; Simply perfect. Thanks for sharing one of my favorite pieces of C. D.

@milafilipova2380

6y↑5

Wonderful
Amazing
Thank you for letting us discover so much of the interesting classical music pieces , Paul .
Every single vidéo of yours is a masterpiece .
Merry Christmas

@ayavelow

4y↑5

First time seeing your vids. For me as a learning pianist, this is REALLY interesting and helpful. Thank you!

@KosTis

3y↑2

Listening to this and especially its ending honestly feels like praying before going to sleep.

@owengette8089

3y↑13

This movement just screams “everything is gonna be ok”

@Sreeve94

6y↑6

Your touch on the piano really is excellent. I saw you talking about 'feeling like you are pressing your fingers into the board under the keys' as you play, which I've been trying to focus on, but any more tips/advice on touch would be greatly appreciated!

@MrsC48

5y↑7

I found a college student recital program in my mom's scrapbook. She played this in 1952 when she was 20. I'm impressed.

@Orbitro.n

2y↑4

I’m playing this piece for my class piece. I study piano in school so hopefully I nail it!

@talfitzer9654

This is such a beautiful piece... And i don't tend to enjoy classical music that much

@tjbuege

1y↑2

Wonderful piece by Debussy! I noticed you are making the same mistake I’ve been making and only just recently discovered. The scale in measures 7 and 8 are different… the right hand in measure 8 has a different set of notes on the descent. Same with measures 9 and 10, 51 and 52, 53 and 54. Regardless, thank you for sharing!

@jeannedigennaro6484

21w

I heard this piece played by a talented middle schooler, so had to look it up. Intriguing melody and beat.

@Anthony.Oboist.Pianist

2y↑1

I’m mastering this at the moment. I’ve got the notes down but am still working on how much to use the sustain pedal.

@muhwu6332

6y↑5

Well done! Literally just started working on this. Looks pretty devilish and feels insanely educational, and of course it is a great piece!

@lizoom5916

Oh, wow! So emotional, so great technique

@ollie972

6y↑8

Spectacular performance

@MiaSharp64

25w

This has got to be the hardest "children's" piece I've ever seen.

@user-od5pz6im9s

4y↑7

SO BEAUTIFUL !!!!!

@evanreynoso6342

4y↑1

I don’t know if Debussy has composed any not enjoyable song I love Debussy

@user-od5pz6im9s

4y↑1

@Evan Reynoso i do too but that one is special

@cyruss6536

3y↑1

I'm in marching band and our front ensemble plays some of this, specifically up until the hold at 0:28

@SunnyBirthday

3y↑1

Great performance! The last note in your right hand is an octave too high (you played C3 instead of C2).

@achilama20

5y↑4

That minor iv gets me every time ((:

@emilyschmidt4106

4y↑2

I'm working on this peace currently and I've never thought that you can play it THAT fast! xD It would be a miracle if I could ever play it faster, and I still wouldn't be even near your level

I really love it though :)

@Hulloder

Is it the 4th harmonic pedal that's making me hear weird overtones? Wonderful performance. My ear isn't sure what's going on though.

@SuzieGStudios

3y↑3

Very nice interpretation

@MathiasKreft

6y↑3

Great sound, great performance!

@xeny30

2y↑1

Bravissimo!

@KyleHohn

6y↑6

Dang this piece really showcases the harmonic pedal

@sergek8389

5y↑5

cool playing! love it.-)

@hx0ad5

4y↑2

this piece is very close to my heart since i was the first debussy piece i managed to learn (badly) as a kid and this rendition is perfect :)

@pianolessonsboulder1894

5y↑2

Excellent performance. I love it when you play 'secco' sometimes :)

@fleurgardner-wray4191

4y↑7

Did this piece for my Grade 8 and ahh I love it so much it's beautiful, might try and get it back up to standard in quarantine...

@dorotea6875

4y↑3

Fleur Gardner-Wray really? i’m doing this piece currently for my grade 8!

@carlopardini7463

4y↑2

@dorotea but i don’t drink tea everyday me too :)

@dorotea6875

4y↑3

Ciccio gamma ooo that’s cool

@emilioooo9678

@dorotea How long did it take you to get to grade 8?

@Bati_

4y↑16

This piece opens my mind...

@ieuandavies9380

6y↑18

an excellent upload, considering its an ABRSM grade 8 pieces. I'm sure this will help many people!😊

@PaulBartonPiano

6y↑6

Thank you Ieuan... the pedaling is tricky in this one - finding that place between not enough and too much because what the ear hears playing at the keyboard end, the listener in front of the open piano lid at a distance in a room and the microphones above the treble and bass strings are three very different things.

@ieuandavies9380

6y↑2

Paul Barton a while ago I saw someone play this in a masterclass, I can't remember her name but the pianist taking the masterclass suggested that either placing the pedal halfway between the top and bottom or rapidly pressing the pedal up and down created a 'desirable' effect for this piece. I tried this and it sort of worked, hard to control though

@PaulBartonPiano

I used a bit less than half pedal in this recording (mixed, from time to time, with harmonic pedal in resonance half position) The sustain sounded fuller in the room to my ears (as it always does) but less so to the microphones in figure 8 pattern, that don't really have much in the way of natural room reverb to add to the mix at the back of the capsules, due to the recording space being on the small side. I did mic tests with rapid pedaling too but that wasn't for me, as you say, hard to control, some notes clear, some blurred. Half pedal and frequent release seems more consistent for this piece and would suit every room size from small to reverberating concert hall.

It's one of those pieces, like the Ocean Study that can be practiced as block chords to begin with, which often helps students.

@ieuandavies9380

I think I had a similar problem with pedalling for the ocean study aswell, funny enough. I tended to use lighter pedal for my piano at home but when playing on other piano I found myself using more pedal to make it sound better on the ears. it was the same for another piece in my repertoire, Bortkiewicz ballade op.42, where at times it was difficult getting a balanced and clear sound.

@kaleyfergus3640

6y↑5

I am about to learn this piece and it sounds AMAZING!!!!!!!!(8th year)

@allisontyler-howells5239

4y↑3

I love this piece. Anne Dudley plays this

@FidgetBoss4000

2y↑1

1:57-2:07 is my favorite part

@tamsinlane4521

3y↑2

Garfield’s 6th life brought me here 🥺 A lovely piece of music

@graceli4480

5y↑2

Beautiful playing

@raphaellwsh

6y↑4

Beautiful!

@user-qc9fh9lq3h

so good!

@RoddardUK

4y↑1

Hi Paul. In lock down here with Romilly, due to Covid-19, so have started up practising the piano again. Having learned The Snow is Dancing over the winter, which took longer than I thought to get under the fingers, I’ve started learning this one to lift my spirits in these difficult times. What a surprise. It is so easy compared to The Snow! A couple more days should get the notes into fingers and brain, and then it’s just speed work. So uplifting and satisfying to play! Thank you for all your wonderful videos.

@sarahkadoche5386

6y↑1

Juste sensationnel

@ThnputMd

6y↑2

My past music teacher played this during class and everyone went nuts

@dianeframe2860

27w

Gorgeous

@all4aching

6y↑80

Wonderful rendering of the piece. Don't mean to be a stick in the mud, but I believe the last note in the right hand is an octave too high.

@PaulBartonPiano

6y↑69

thanks - silly old me!!

@adonisadmirer2752

6y↑37

That moment you think you've finally got the perfect cut...

@nnuae

5y↑7

@Paul Barton Also looks like a B flat at 0:25 although I do prefer your take without the whole tone weirdness.

@martingabel1960

4y↑13

I play it more slowly (comparable to 0.75), and I think the melodic and harmonic elements get out better at this lower speed. I wonder why all pianists run through this piece where every harmonic expression wants to sink in instead of pass by. I admit that some parts should be faster than 0,75 but I would see this as rubato. The indication "modérément animé" seems to prove me right especially for the beginning, "égal" seems to give credit rather to Paul Barton, "sans sécheresse" leaves me a bit puzzled", lol, but seems to point to heightened expression, not to "légèrete".

@XkannsenX

4y↑1

you should listen the piano roll of this piece by Debussy himself ;)

@martingabel1960

4y↑1

@Kannsen When did Debussy play it, in the time he still liked his early music or in the time he found to preposterously sentimental? The composer is not always his/her best interpreter, and sometimes they misjudge their work, just as human beings in general do not always understand themselves better than others.

@XkannsenX

@Martin Gabel For sure, Debussy is limited by his piano skills, but for the intentions and the speed of some parts, it s very intersting to listen how he conceived them.

@martingabel1960

@Kannsen I was not writing about technical skills but about his changing attitude towards his earlier creations. I also think it is a misconseption of art to think there is only one correct way of playing a piece and that the composer is the person understanding it best.

@kjr5034

3y↑1

I agree. I also like to play it slightly slower. The general interpretation of this song, found on youtube, always sounds rushed to me.

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@maddannafizz

I prefer this to Lang Langs performance, there is more contrast, different speeds and not so horribly rushed it loses all melody and emotion; puts me off .
This is my favourite version and moreover I play it , thank you 🙌🦋

@lindacarrella107

5y↑3

Thank you, very enjoyable!

@katmacalinao9541

3y↑49

"children's" corner
not everyone is a prodigy debussy huhuhu

@sevi630

3y↑4

It looks intimidating but it's easier than it looks.

@baconnatedchurro

3y↑18

These pieces aren’t necessarily designed for children to play. They’re just inspired by children’s toys and stuff like that.

@pamplemoo

3y↑3

@Baconnated Churro and they're made to be listened by children

@Mr-Prasguerman

3y↑2

Se eu não me engano , essa suite foi feita para a filha dele

@Conrad_in_Hawaii

His "Children's Corner" suites were written for his daughter when she was a little girl. Tragically, she died at twelve years old.

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@cherryrogers4702

3y↑3

brought tears to my eyes

@user-tm5mp4hb7v

5y↑4

Very nice!!!!!><

@pierre.kovacs

5y↑10

Dear Paul,
As always, thank you for sharing this. I really enjoy your interpretation, and the view from above the keyboard is great. I am sure I am going to sound pedant, but I think there is a mistake on bar 8 and 10 where the right hand should play something slightly different from bars 7 and 9. Again thank you for your generosity.

@Nicolee003

6y↑2

I will play this piece 😍

@user-ec8rm9hr8q

4y↑3

Fantastic 🙂🇬🇷 👍

@miomio4089

3y↑1

Πολύ δύσκολο

@MCMeru

6y↑18

There it is! Ive been waiting for this :D

@pianolessonsboulder1894

5y↑3

Superb!

@mufelo

6y↑2

Awesome playing there! I am practicing this at the moment and use your video as a reference for voicing and grouping. I noticed, however, that you missed a couple of the chromatic variations in the second half of the up'n'down passages ;)

@kevinac4397

3y↑1

Love to see your version posted on youtube

@iristolhurst3269

6y↑1

hey i've been getting reallly into debussy's pieces and other impressionist piano, but i'm not very good at the faster parts. i was wondering if anyone had some tips on how to play faster parts to piano pieces?

@adonisadmirer2752

6y↑2

My teacher always tells me to try playing it slow and staccato and then speed it up and change the rhythm (eighths can become dotted eighth-sixteenths and so on). It really helps your fingers get a feel of the keys and makes the passage seem more familiar.

@fleurgardner-wray4191

Learn to play without the music - puts the focus on what you're fingers are doing and means you can 'perform' it more I find. I did this piece for my Grade 8 over 2 years ago and can still play it by heart because of the muscle memory!

@athinasvo

4y↑5

Amazing

@pinklady3152

4y↑1

i played this when i was 10 i’m trying to learn it again

@CliveHandfor

50w

1:20 minor inspiration of clair de lune

@bananeerunited6020

4y↑78

oof when i play this i sound like a half-deceased piano player that barely knows the notes :'(

@jessicawu6121

4y↑4

Sameeeee

@tobiw1998

4y↑3

Same

@MsSassy-br9eb

4y↑4

I wish I sounded like you. I'm way worse.

@sydneymagrum1992

At least you barely know the notes...

@Sreeve94

4y↑1

Paul, and others - how much do you have to understand what's going on in the song theoretically to be able to learn, play, and remember it well?

I'm not a good sight reader and find it easier to do copy-hands learning (plus looking at the sheet music too), but I always feel I'd be able to learn and remember it better if I knew what was happening a bit more - i.e. when he's just playing arpeggios, when he's using 7th chords, when he's switched keys, etc. I don't just want to sight-read the music like a robot, I want to learn to appreciate it's magic more by understanding it better. And I also want to remember it! Any ideas would be helpful, thanks.

@marcarfar

5y↑2

Bravo!!!

@TheMjverdejo

6y↑1

Con esta pieza entre al conservatorio😍

@genevievespianostudio

Any ideas on which grade ABRSM this is?

@TonyDandl2000

3y↑1

Beautifully played

@fatimacanche9081

3y↑1

Grrado al Parnaso sirve en clase como tecnica

@syvina4309

How long did you learn please this composition?

@Suriannica

5y↑6

I played this on my recital

@starlight6687

4y↑1

good4u

@0piumaeternum

6y↑3

Can you do a tutorial for this please?

@kuroishiofficial

Go into the DAW of your choice, flip the harmony, and thank me later.

@Maranatha1968

4y↑2

Easy arpeggios but nice! 🤝🏼

@hellothere8439

3y↑2

my favorite part is probably at 1:47

@kaifcht6137

3y↑1

I am a beginner, this apergio make me crazy. ขอบคุณค่ะที่แสดงวิธีการเล่นให้ดูชัดเจน!..

@masakinoda4005

6y↑4

今年の冬のピアノの発表会で弾きます！

@IEEMAZ_Convoluted_14.2.8.5

4y↑3

You have almost 500k subs!

@OumiKapilaMusic

6y↑1

Thank you for this. In your opinion, what kind of difficulty would you rate this? If you could play the gnossienes, ravel prelude in A and Lizst nuages gris for example comfortably would this be worth tackling?

@purplegoldcat7

33w

I swear i gave this man like 1000 views already

@justvibin3671

Bud u missed the Bb at :25 that creates a whole tone sound which justifies the transition to the E triad arpeggiation

@sevi630

1:53 too

@ikermos3601

6y↑3

This looks like giving a massage to the piano

@allisonlee2463

@DorianParpari

5y↑2

I'm glad u came across this. I've been playing at half your speed. I gotta practice....

@sophiesmith6498

6y↑1

Did this piece for my Grade 8 - loved it, and I completed it in under 2 weeks. Really easy for Grade 8 :)

@user-cf9nl1gq9g

26w

Debussy had a look alike composition

@hooolahan

4y↑4

How on earth can you play this at such a speed AND perfectly. I have been practising for 2 months and can’t play any quicker than 1/2 your speed without losing complete control. Is it because my brain doesn’t work as well as yours?? Seriously...I try and try but can’t go any faster.

@athinasvo

Honestly SAAAMEEEE

@athinasvo

It is so hard😩😩

@fleurgardner-wray4191

4y↑1

I played this piece for my Grade 8 a couple of years ago and you just need to keep going! I hit a plateau where it felt like I would never be able to play it fast enough and ended up being able to play it at this speed without having to think about it too much, just keep practising the patterns really slowly and build up to it, and definitely try and memorise it so you can play without the music as I found that helped because I wasn't trying to follow the score and could just focus on my fingers. Hope this helps :)

@athinasvo

4y↑1

@Fleur Gardner-Wray thank you I'll try to do the same😍 I won't give up!🥰🤩 It's such a beautiful piece!

@dorotea6875

4y↑1

Lucy Westman don’t worry ahah i’m doing this for my grade 8 and have been practising for like 7 months at least now, and i usually practised at this videos 0.5 speed. but i can kind of do something like the video just a little bit slower. i definitely can’t play as fast as this video

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