Douze Études by Claude Debussy

The twelve Études, Debussys last substantial piano work was written during World War I, when the composer was already seriously ill. Nevertheless, the Études are filled with energy, light and the delight of invention. The book is directed to pianists as well as to any reader interested in Debussys piano music.I’ve invested a lot of passion and faith in the future of these Études. I hope you like them, both for the music they contain and for what they denote. (Claude Debussy to his publisher 28.8.1915) The collection of twelve Études, Debussy’s last substantial piano work was written during World War I, when the composer was already seriously ill. In spite of the tragic circumstances surrounding their birth, the Études are filled with energy, light and the delight of invention. For a pianist, they present an inspiring challenge both from interpretative and technical viewpoints. The writer approaches the Études from several angles with the help of existing literature on Debussy’s piano works and her own expertise as pianist and pedagogue. The book is directed to pianists studying the concert etude repertoire as well as to any reader interested in Debussy’s piano music.