The most annoying mistake pianists make in Clair de lune (and how to fix it)

We're going to look at how to fix the mistakes many piano players make when playing Debussy's Clair de lune. The rhythm on the 1st page in particular is one of the most annoying mistakes that pianists make because it's so fixable. Hope you enjoy the video and learn a lot.

Please like and share with a friend with bad rhythm!

#classicalpiano #clairdelune #howtoplaypiano #piano #debussy

[majornewb]

I played this song as a teenager without any idea of proper tempo and rhythm but this makes SO MUCH sense now

[ericrakestraw]

Pianists who learned "Clair de Lune" by ear tend to make these rhythmic mistakes. When I played something I liked by ear on the piano and tried notating it on paper, I often discovered later that the rhythm was wrong.

[christianvennemann]

What an amazing coincidence that this video was uploaded today, as I started re-learning Clair de lune yesterday. I appreciate the tips and will definitely use them!

[domshanti]

@Ryan Abshier Just wanted to say that you are a superb teacher. Truly excellent, while also being a brilliant pianist. Thanks so much for your wonderful videos. I've learned so much from them. 👍🏼🙏🏼💝

[Mariposa_]

Neat, Ryan!. I'm gonna dig out my Claire de Lune sheet music and check to see if I can follow the original intention of Debussy!

[bunnyhollowcrafts]

This is awesome, I get it, everyone feels it the way they feel it. BUT, counting is something I missed. I locked the melody away in my head as a child, and just never learned timing. This is extremely helpful. Thank you!!

[codeblaze]

This is genuinely so helpful! I was trying to count everything in terms of the triplets but really it’s just three beats per bar and you can just switch between eighth notes and triplets!

[RafaelCunhaAraujo]

"I'm so expressive. I don't need rhythm" - Lang Lang's motto.

[RaineStudio]

DAMN straight. I think many pianists are insecure reading triple rhythms to begin with. Especially with widely differing time values. So they fake it à la "Chopin." ALWAYS start with the written figures, and only THEN, when you are secure and hopefully have good taste, bend the time.

[katttttt]

Funny, I'm learning it right now

[nataliecarlin]

Lord Vinheteiro version is my favourite version. Played correctly or incorrectly, it's perfect to my ears and soul. Masterful by Debussy.

[charlesloving]

I don't know if "objectionably" is a word, but it should be.

[fozzwottle]

I was lucky that I had a teacher who would NEVER let me use rubato before I had properly learned the piece, and even then it was only sparingly

[povilzem]

The composer already wrote the tempo rubato in the notation precisely how he wanted it. A piece that has alternating duplets and triplets doesn't permit for rhythmic improvisation.

[scherzomazeppa]

Idk, my biggest problem is that first rest. It's like when to start playing, because I'm already resting before I play when I concentrate and part of that concentration time is in no way a "rest." So, I guess the alternative is just to sit there and work on my John Cage piece until I figure it out.

[michaelsilveradventure]

How the song should be played is largely dependent on the piano the composer used and its dynamics. Earlier pianos had different attack and decay and this would affect how it sounded. If Debussy’s piano had a quick decay it makes sense that it would be played faster…otherwise it would sound bad. Nowadays pianos have great dynamics so notes last longer and it’s easier to play pianissimo…better dynamics. If Debussy had used a modern piano he might have extended the notes longer.

[TherealMozart]

"Clair de Lune" when was it written?

[pedroquerido]

Alright guys. Can you please play whatever you want, they way you want to? Your play, your music, your rules.