Debussy Challenge – Week 1 Goal “Pick Your Piece!”
“Pick Your Piece!”
This week is all about choosing your Debussy repertoire. Whether you're just starting your journey into Debussy’s world or you've played some of his works before, the goal is to pick a piece that inspires you—and challenges you just enough.
We’ve curated a list to help you decide:
🎹 Beginner-Friendly Selections (Level 1–3):
Perfect for players exploring Debussy for the first time. Focus on color, shape, and mood.
“The Little Shepherd” – from Children’s Corner
“The Snow is Dancing” – from Children’s Corner
“La fille aux cheveux de lin” (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair) – from Préludes, Book 1
🎼 Intermediate Selections (Level 4–6):
For players ready to dive deeper into voicing, pedaling, and expression.
“Clair de Lune” – from Suite Bergamasque
“Reverie” – Dreamy, flowing, and deeply expressive
“Arabesque No. 1” – A tone-painting in flowing motion
Your Week 1 task:
Pick your piece
Comment below what you’ve chosen (and why, if you'd like!)
If you’re unsure, ask for recommendations—we’re here to help
We’ll begin practicing next week—this one is just about inspiration and intention.
Let the dreamlike journey begin!
85 replies
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I'm choosing Arabesque #1. I had "self-taught" it many years ago. Now I'm working on it with my piano teacher and realize I have things I need to unlearn before making further progress.
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La fille aux cheveux de lin.
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I picked Ballade ,L 70.
It is very beautiful piece, and I am looking forward to learning more about pedaling and techniques that help me to play this well.😊
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So many different choices…! I have spent the first three days of this week trying to decide between Image Series 2 No.2 Et La lune as Astrida is playing, La Cathédrale engloutie which has been on my ‘to learn list’ since I don’t know when and La puerta del Vino which I’ve been meaning to play since going to the Alhambra several years ago and seeing the gate that inspired the piece. I’m away next week at a summer school so I think I’ll go with La puerta, especially as no one else has mentioned it yet!
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I'm choosing Debussy's gorgeous Nocturne.
I've learned several of Chopin's Nocturnes and I'm relearning Samuel Barber's, which I played in recital a LONG time ago. I'd like to add the Debussy to my quiver, with at least one by John Field. I think this would make a nice lecture recital for a salon concert this coming Winter.
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I am working on "Les Fées sont d'exquises danseuses". I have learned this piece years ago and would like to add it to my current list collection of pieces. I love the colours and variety of this piece.
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Passepied from suite bergamasque. 😬
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I'll be trying Ondine, and if I find it too hard I might switch to Arabesque No. 1. I'm not sure I'm able to nail Ondine in the time given! Will do my best, tho!
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Hello !
I'll go with "Clair de Lune".
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I will pick Reverie :)
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Hi everyone - I will pick Dr Gradus ad Parnassum from Children's Corner Suite!
This is a piece I love to listen to and hoping to play in a more controlled than when I first attempted it 🤞 -
I’m doing the arabesque #1.
however, I found a mazurka of Debussy (what?!) that is very interesting. No. I need to focus. Now is the arabesque.
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Something from Image II - maybe 'Goldfish'