Composer

:

Claude Debussy

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1906 - 1908

Average_duration

:

2:26

"Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" is the first movement of Claude Debussy's "Children's Corner Suite," which was composed in 1908. The suite was dedicated to Debussy's daughter, Claude-Emma, who was three years old at the time. The premiere of the suite took place on December 18, 1908, at the Salle Gaveau in Paris, with Debussy himself at the piano. The title of the piece, "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum," is a reference to a book by Johann Joseph Fux, a composer and music theorist from the Baroque era. The book, also titled "Gradus ad Parnassum," was a treatise on counterpoint, and was widely used as a textbook in music schools. The title of Debussy's piece is a playful nod to this tradition, as the piece is not a strict exercise in counterpoint, but rather a whimsical and lighthearted portrayal of a child's piano lesson. The piece is written in the key of C major and is marked "Allegro," indicating a fast tempo. The opening melody is played in the right hand, with a simple accompaniment in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with a more complex accompaniment, featuring syncopated rhythms and playful staccato notes. The middle section of the piece features a series of ascending and descending arpeggios, played in both hands. This section is marked "Presto," indicating an even faster tempo. The arpeggios build in intensity, leading to a climactic moment before returning to the opening melody. The piece ends with a playful coda, featuring a series of descending scales in the right hand and a simple accompaniment in the left hand. The final notes are played softly, bringing the piece to a gentle close. Overall, "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum" is a charming and whimsical piece, perfectly capturing the spirit of childhood and the joy of learning to play the piano. Its playful melodies and lively rhythms make it a favorite among young pianists and audiences alike.

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