Reflets dans l'eau opens in a slow tempo (andantino molto) with a melody of A♭, F, E♭ (which is repeated through much of the piece) while the right hand is playing a set of chords to accompany the melody. It shares the main characteristics of French music of this period. For instance, the piece is characterized by ambiguous and fast-changing harmonies.
The piece has several brief melody statements and climaxes that are more glimpses of music than full ideas, which is typical of Debussy's middle and late piano works. This is one of the many pieces Debussy wrote about water; in particular, light reflecting off its surface. The piece creates an image of water being not quite still, then becoming rapid, then decreasing in motion again. Reflets dans l'eau is also an example of the new tone colors Debussy discovered for the piano in this part of his life, and although he later refined this style, this piece is part of the greater achievements Debussy reached with the instrument.
Performed by:
© Noa Leigh Kleisen (2008)
Midi:
© Piano-e-Competition (2002 - present)
Original Music:
© Claude Debussy (1905)
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