Claude Debussy was a leading composer in the impressionistic movement. His music often incorporates Eastern influences and is known for is focus on harmonic resistance and flow and how that forms colors. In 1915, Debussy wrote Elegie, L. 146. It is one of his final works for solo piano. In the year 1915, Debussy underwent an operation in hopes to achieve some relief from his cancer diagnosis. In the midst of World War I, Elegie was the only piano work written by Debussy and it clearly reflects the tragedy of both he war and his deteriorating health.
This piece has an austere quality. It encapsulates the atonal quality that Debussy is known for, but it is approached in a much more sincere way. Barenboim and Planès perform this piece with the gravity and longing feeling that Debussy must have been feeling. The cello-like melody in the left hand is very grounding and realistic as compared to the uncentered feeling the right hand chords present.
Daniel Barenboim
Alain Planès
Although Barenboim usually isn't my first choice for Debussy, I really enjoy listening to his recordings. I also like the short videos he has on YouTube where he talks about some of Debussy's pieces!
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