debussy: valse romantique (1890)

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first vid, ofc i had to drop some goat (debussy) music, sorry for the noise at the start, i was too lazy to use a noise cancelling software to remove it

a little background, achille claude debussy is a renowned composer in the romantic period, particularly part of the Impressionist Movement, some even say he knew monet personally.

however, this piece reflects his late romantic style before the peak of debussy's career, rather than the impressionist style he is known for. nevertheless, this song is still filled with romance, as reflected in the title "valse romantique" (romantic waltz). this further reflects the need for contrast in dynamics in the song.

various times in the piece, the motif appears in different variations, with the tenuto not really too strong, but rather, as my piano teacher says, "like stamping a stamp". the "stamp" in question has to have the same sound, so consistency is definitely needed, meaning the second and third beat have to have the same force applied.

regarding the rubato, although this song is from the romantic period, traditional rubato is not enough - a very good metaphor from my piano teacher: rubato is like walking a dog. you, the one walking it, has a steady pace, yet the dog can be sometimes faster or slower, but no matter what, the leash should not choke him; meaning that it shouldnt be too accelerated or behind. funnily enough, impressionist rubato has to choke the dog though. "anything for expressiveness" is key. you have to imagine yourself in the scene of the music.

lastly, as a note, do NOT use my playing as a model for yours. i am just a piano enthusiast recording my playings, and i have already counted 2 notable errors in the video. feel free to comment or criticise it though.