- Pagodes
Pagodes (Pagodas) is the first piece of
Claude Debussy 's Estampes. The piece evokes images of different locations. "Pagodes" makes extensive use ofpentatonic scale s and mimics JavaneseGamelan percussion to suggest Asia.Hinson, Maurice. Preface to "Estampes" by Claude Debussy. Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing Co., Inc., 1993.]This piece is mainly a test of expressiveness. One must discover the very fine textures of the piano to keep the piece from becoming just excessive prettiness. Another challenge is the pedal markings. The piece must maintain its percussive nature without being obscured by the constant dampers.
References
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