It’s like I’m going to the ocean. Anybody think like me?

And you think it would end there but Holst said "fuck it we'll do a climax before the end"

classico

Claire De Lune

Oberlin Orchestra (live)
October 31, 1990
Finney Chapel
(digitized from tape recording)

Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst

Ragtime Piano

Maple Leaf Rag

Rhapsody In Blue

Binary Sunset Extended - Star Wars Soundtrack

Excerpted from a complete performance in collaboration with the Amherst College Choral Society, the exciting second movement of the Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi as performed by the Amherst Symphony Orchestra.

Verdi Requiem: "Dies Irae"

The Russian Souvenir

Waltz of The Flowers

From the album 'Farewell, Angelina,' available as a limited edition LP reissue exclusively for Record Store Day, 2012.

Joan Baez - Farewell, Angelina [REMASTERED - 2012]

Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune is the third movement of his Suite Bergamasque, written for solo piano and completed in 1905. The title, meaning “Moonlight,” is inspired by Paul Verlaine’s poem, evoking a serene and reflective atmosphere. The piece epitomizes French Impressionism, focusing on mood and imagery over traditional form.
Structure and Atmosphere

The piece is in ternary form (ABA):

    Opening (A):
    A soft, flowing melody emerges over delicate arpeggios. The music feels weightless, like moonlight shimmering on water. Debussy uses rich harmonies and seventh chords to create a dreamlike quality, with a tender, introspective mood.

    Middle Section (B):
    The dynamics intensify, with fuller textures and soaring melodic lines. This section brings a sense of emotional depth and urgency, contrasting with the calm opening. Arpeggios cascade dramatically, giving the impression of moonlight suddenly brightening or revealing hidden beauty.

    Closing (A):
    The opening material returns, slightly varied, fading into a gentle, whisper-like conclusion. The piece ends as quietly as it began, leaving a sense of stillness and wonder.

Musical Features

    Harmonics: Debussy’s use of whole-tone scales, parallel chords, and non-functional harmony creates a suspended, ethereal soundscape.
    Melody: The lyrical melody floats effortlessly above the accompaniment, expressing both simplicity and emotional depth.
    Texture: Light, transparent textures alternate with moments of lush, resonant fullness, embodying the interplay of light and shadow.

Mood and Interpretation

Clair de Lune evokes the quiet magic of a moonlit night, combining serenity with subtle melancholy. Its poetic quality invites listeners to imagine moonlight reflecting on a calm lake, whispering through trees, or illuminating a tranquil landscape. The music feels timeless, blending stillness with fleeting moments of intensity.

Cultural Impact

This iconic piece has been widely used in films (Ocean’s Eleven, Twilight) and pop culture, often accompanying scenes of romance, nostalgia, or quiet reflection. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke deep emotion while remaining understated.
Performance Notes

Expressive dynamics, fluid phrasing, and careful pedaling are essential to capturing its delicate atmosphere. A balance between freedom and control ensures its dreamlike flow remains intact.

Clair de Lune is a masterpiece of impressionistic music, celebrated for its ability to transport listeners into a realm of quiet beauty and introspection.

Claude Debussy - The Essential Collection

Clair de Lune

Clair de Lune - Debussy

Dvorak - New World Symphony - Part One 4th Movement Dublin Philharmonic Conductor Derek Gleeson

Holst - The Planets - Jupiter

Jacques Offenbach [ Galop Infernal ] Twitter: @mclassica

Offenbach - [ Orphée aux enfers - Galop Infernal ] \m/

Bob dylan & paul simon & joan baez - sound of silence (2)

When it comes to electronica, I am but a hobbyist. I create this stuff for myself as a way of working things out, both technically and personally. While nothing can compare with the sheer joy of collaborating with gifted live musicians, one can still derive pleasure from this more solitary, almost painterly, form of music making.

None of this is really intended for public consumption but, in acquiescence to my friends who ask to hear what I'm up to, here are a few things I've scraped off my hard drive — warts and all.

Oh, and as you'll notice, my mixing skills are tragically unsophisticated. Sorry about that. So much more to learn…

My day job? Conductor and music professor.


Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst

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