Debussy for Daydreaming

One thing I liked a lot was the chamber music. I had never heard a string quartet from any period after the Romantic Era before, and his string quartet was awesome, as was the trio for flute, viola and harp. I also liked the orchestra arrangement of Clair de Lune, one of my favorite songs. Actually, I could sit here listing ALL the songs I liked, but that would be all of them. Overall, a wonderful sampling of Debussy. I am definetly going to try similar cds in the series.


Wonderful Debussy Sampler of Light, Lulty Sounds   November 18, 2003
rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Debussy is easy on the mind and this collection captures that sound magnificently.

Known for style of rhthym and color, here is grouping of snapshots of serene landscapes, seascapes which take the listener away to these serence, romantic scenes.

With a wide array of instruments, such as harp, piano, flute, viola and orchestra, this flowing work captivates and charms.

Especially fond of "Maid with the Flaxen Hair" with its oboe intro and sensuous, lulling melody which envelopes the ears bringing its warmth and peace. Along those same musical lines, the piece "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" is enchanting in its tenderness.

Some of the most beautify piano classics come from this composer, i.e. Claire de Lune (here done by full orchestra) and Arabesque No. 1.

Whether Debussy fan or newcomer, this CD is worthy in one's collection to relax, and even daydream with.


An excellent introduction to Debussy and French music   June 30, 2005
Alan Lekan (Boulder, CO)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Compilation CD's like this are an excellent first CD to purchase when first exploring a new composer or style of music ("Expressionism" in Debussy's case). And this Philip's "Set your Life to Music" collection is usually a sure and safe way to do that given their well thought-out selections, themes and quality recordings. This CD here contains many of the most popular, lyrical and enchanting works of the 19th-century French composer, Claude Debussy. The range of selections are diverse and satisfying: from his major solo piano works through his top chamber music (for 2-5 instruments) to the full-blown orchestral selections of great imagery and dreaminess that can transport one into another world of great serenity. (But, there are enough sudden changes in loudness and rhythm to upset any notions of perfect bliss and keep the daydreamer from falling asleep - hence the title, "for Daydreams" and not "for Bedtime" like in other offerings in this Philips' series) Regardless, this CD is an excellent introduction to Claude Debussy as well as being overall relaxing music to enrich one's life.

One interesting music history tidbit on Debussy that might interest the new listener: Even though Debussy did not like the label, his music was labeled "Expressionism" for the similarities to what the French artists like Monet were doing at the same time. In Debussy's case, his intent was to create "emotional impressions" with music that evoked specific moods and images in the mind - not unlike what the "impressionistic painters" were trying to do on canvas using pure color and form to evoke the fleeting, emotional moment of a landscape scene. "Prelude of the Afternoon of the Fawn" is a good example of this dreamy, lingering, emotive style of music.


A rich, mesmerising collection   January 3, 2000
A lover of history and literature (Southern California)
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

The first time I heard this CD I could do little more than be still and just listen.

Yes, it's that enchanting.

Debussy's piano Arabesques were so beautifully performed they could have been the first notes after creation - light, happy, rich, and amused.

A truly marvelous collection. Be still and listen.


Beautiful Music   June 27, 1999
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I bought this CD sight unseen through a music club, and loved it so much that I have bought it for others. I've become addicted to the "Set Your Life To Music" series because of this CD and my brother's fondness for the "Bach for Breakfast" CD. However, this one will always be my favorite because of the lovely "Claire de Lune", which is so beautiful it makes me misty. Debussy reminds you how great it is to be alive. I highly recommend this CD.