Composer

:

Claude Debussy

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Etude

Compose Date

:

1915

Average_duration

:

1:34

'Pour les huit doigts, L. 136/6' is a piano piece composed by Claude Debussy in 1915. It was premiered on May 10, 1916, by the pianist Ricardo Viñes at the Salle Gaveau in Paris. The piece is part of a collection of six pieces called 'Six épigraphes antiques', which were originally composed for four hands but later arranged for solo piano. 'Pour les huit doigts' is the fifth movement of the collection and is characterized by its delicate and ethereal sound. The title translates to 'For eight fingers', which refers to the fact that the piece is written for the pianist to play with only their eight fingers, excluding the thumbs. This creates a unique sound and texture, as the pianist must use different techniques to compensate for the missing fingers. The piece begins with a soft and gentle melody played by the right hand, accompanied by a simple chord progression in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with slight variations, creating a sense of improvisation and spontaneity. The middle section of the piece features a more complex and dissonant harmony, with the left hand playing a series of arpeggios while the right hand plays a syncopated melody. The final section of the piece returns to the original melody, but with added embellishments and flourishes. The piece ends with a soft and delicate coda, bringing the piece to a peaceful and serene conclusion. Overall, 'Pour les huit doigts' is a beautiful and introspective piece that showcases Debussy's unique style and innovative approach to piano composition. Its use of only eight fingers creates a distinctive sound and texture, making it a favorite among pianists and audiences alike.

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