GCE Music: Debussy's Nuages from Three Nocturnes

Front

Who was Debussy?

Back

Debussy (1862-1918) was one of the most innovative and influential composers whose lifetime spanned the end of the nineteenth century and the early years of the twentieth.

Front

What is Debussy's relation to Impressionism?

Back

Although the term 'impressionism' is often extended to Debussy, he did not approve of the term. However, there are parallels in the way he creates moods or atmosphere through non-functional harmonies and delicate orchestration.

Front

What inspired Debussy's 'Nuages'?

Back

The inspiration for 'Nuages' came from a stormy day on the River Seine with the hooting of a riverboat represented by the recurring horn calls.

Front

Describe the opening theme of 'Nuages'.

Back

The opening theme, where clarinets and bassoons are an octave apart, consists almost entirely of alternating perfect fifths and thirds. The key signature is B minor, but this tonality is obscured by chromaticism.

Front

What is a common trait in Debussy's compositions?

Back

A common trait in Debussy's compositions is the repetition of bars, such as the second bar being an exact repetition of the first.

Front

What is notable about the motif played by the solo cor anglais at bar 5?

Back

The motif is contained within the interval of a tritone and its common time is superimposed upon the prevailing 6/4 metre.

Front

What does the timpani roll suggest in 'Nuages'?

Back

The timpani roll suggests B as a tonal centre, but this is contradicted by the whole-tone chord at bar 7.

Front

What happens at bar 11 in 'Nuages'?

Back

A restatement of the opening theme in divided violins is extended with more complex harmonisation at bar 14.

Front

What is the significance of the pentatonic scale in 'Nuages'?

Back

The pentatonic scale lends a markedly Eastern flavour, recalling the Javanese gamelan which Debussy heard at the Paris exposition of 1889.

Front

What is the orchestration associated with French impressionist composers?

Back

The combination of solo flute and harp is a sonority particularly associated with French impressionist composers.