'Clair de lune' is just one of those extra-special piano pieces that we all want to learn how to play. Its stunning, lilting melody is one that sticks in the brain as soon as you hear it.
It's an intermediate/advanced-level piece and has its fair share of challenges. And whilst the piece as a whole may be out of reach for the beginner, the famous opening melody is certainly accessible to any level of pianist.
Celebrated French pianist, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, breaks this piece downphrase-by-phrase in his video lesson, revealing the work's hidden meaning and provides practical advice for navigating its textures and moods.
Bavouzet pulls apart the work's many challenges, both technical and musical. From fingering and mechanics to analysing layers and harmonies, his lesson proves that, in his words, "the more you know about the music, the more you find it extraordinary.”
Enjoy his full, 35-minute lesson on the piece below.
Content continues after advertisem*nts
A special thanks to tonebase for supplying us with this lesson! The platformoffers hundreds of lessons, courses, and interviews with renowned pedagogues and GRAMMY award-winning pianists. Tonebase have given us the chance to provide you witha 14-day free trial & a 30% discount on all plans.To get the 30% discount, click hereand use the code 'PIANIST-MAG-30' at the checkout.
Bavouzet appeared on the cover of Pianist 101. Get your copy here.
FAQs
“Clair de Lune” is an iconic piano piece. It's beautiful, recognizable, and oh-so peaceful. The original “Clair de Lune” sheet music by Claude Debussy isn't easy, so we've created an easier version that anyone, even beginners, can share in the joy of this amazing piece.
What grade level is Clair de lune on piano? ›
What key is Clair de lune in piano? ›
The piece is written in D-flat major. It's one of those key signatures that might initially put people off.
What skill level is Clair de Lune? ›
It's an intermediate/advanced-level piece and has its fair share of challenges. And whilst the piece as a whole may be out of reach for the beginner, the famous opening melody is certainly accessible to any level of pianist.
What grade level is Fur Elise? ›
The full version of Fur Elise is considered reasonably difficult, broadly an intermediate piece around grade 5, but a shorter arrangement of only the famous section is often taught as well. This is much easier, suitable for late beginners, but still requires some foundational skill to perform well.
What does Clair de Lune mean in English? ›
noun, adjective. moonlight [noun, adjective] (made with the help of) the light reflected by the moon. The sea looked silver in the moonlight.
Why is Clair de lune so special? ›
The gentle “Clair de lune” provides an elegant contrast to the suite's sprightly second and fourth movements. One of Debussy's early compositions, it is the most readily recognizable segment of his works.
Do you use the pedal in Clair de lune? ›
There still exists some concrete advise by Debussy on how to use the pedal. Regarding Clair de Lune he suggested to put down both pedals before one start, "in order to let the overtones vibrate" [Nichols p. 159]. To use both pedals at the same time, was apparently an effect that Debussy liked.
Is Clair de lune just piano? ›
Debussy's 'Clair de lune' is written for solo piano – and it is actually quite straight-forward.
Why is it called Clair de Lune? ›
Clair de Lune, its title French for “moonlight” is based on the poem of the same name by Symbolist poet Paul Verlaine. In both the famed classical music piece and its lesser-known companion, we are taken through a journey to introspection – the lifetime adventure of understanding the soul in all its phases.
Easiest Debussy: Children's Corner
Even though it's called Children's Corner, these pieces aren't meant for children – rather, they're meant to invoke the vibe of childhood. The easiest of the collection is probably Le petit Negre, and is the one with the most unfortunate title (“The Little Negro”).
What grade standard is Clair de Lune? ›
Assessing the difficulty of "Clair De Lune" in ABRSM grades is subjective, but it's generally considered advanced (around Grade 7-8). For a nuanced discussion on piano piece difficulty, visit my Quora Profile on ABRSM Piano Grades.
What is the easy Debussy piano? ›
The Rêverie, the Deux Arabesques, and the Children's Corner suite are among Debussy's most technically accessible piano works. The famous “Claire de lune” from Suite Bergamasque isn't too taxing, either. A couple of his préludes stand out as less difficult than most of the others: “… des pas sur la neige,” for example.
Is Clair de Lune just piano? ›
Debussy's 'Clair de lune' is written for solo piano – and it is actually quite straight-forward.
