Debussy: Piano Preludes Bk.1 No.1 “Danseuses de Delphes” - symphonic winds
Debussy was always searching for exotic stimuli, and this first prelude dating from December 1909 centres on Greek antiquity and the oracle at Delphi, the Temple of
Apollo, patron of the arts and a god of music and dance. Some 15 years earlier this caryatid* had been discovered by French archeologists during la
Grande Fouille (the Great Excavation).
Displayed at the Louvre, Debussy particularly admired la colonne des danseuses de Delphes, three priestesses clothed inchitoniskos - bare feet suspended and arms raised, and depicting dancers or participants in a religious ritual.
With some gravitas this prelude, which feels like an introduction, brings to life stones from antiquity, an asymmetric Brahmsian sarabande of hypnotic and sombre sensuality. The style of composition seems well adapted for two pianos.
Solemn and silent, they move to the slow rhythm of harps, sistrums and flutes. And in the mysterious shadow of the temple, where hang heavy vapours of consecrated incense, lies, invisible and present, the meditative god who dreams of destinies......"Cortot"
Arranged here for double wind quintet and bass
I have arranged the following Preludes
Book 1
Danseuses de Delphes (this one)
Voiles
Les sons et le parfums…..
Des pas sur le neige
La fille aux cheveux de lin
La Cathédral engloutie
Minstrels
