Debussy’s Treasures for Violin and Piano

Numerous pieces for solo instruments were written in the late 19^th and early 20 ^th century. In particular the French school made its contribution with composers such as Gabriel Fauré, Paul Taffanel, Philippe Gaubert, Jacques Ibert, Cécile Chaminade, Georges Hüe and many others. 

At the time, Debussy was the leading musical representative of French Impressionism: no other composer, with the exception of Maurice Ravel, has been able to achieve or aspire to such levels of excellence.

Violin literature is full of pieces from the Impressionist school; many of these compositions form part of the standard repertoire of every violinist. But they all have one disadvantage: they are very difficult to play! To prepare a student to tackle this important musical heritage adequately, there are virtually no original compositions. And isn’t the best way to get acquainted with the repertoire of Impressionist composers to start with Debussy – their most important representative? The pieces that I have chosen and adapted for this collection form an ideal introduction, without overburdening students with technical difficulties. In particular, students will broaden their knowledge of the various aspects of sound colours and tone control. They will also acquire a suitable differentiation of tone, in order to be able to exploit the numerous shades and nuances of these superb compositions. 

Debussy wrote many works for flute, but also several for violin. Many violinists would have liked a larger output from this composer. That’s why Franco Cesarini has converted his selection for flute and piano of a number of Debussy’s treasures to make them suitable for violin and piano – with due respect for the original work of the master. 

On the enclosed CD you will find a complete recording of all the pieces, as well as the piano accompaniments alone, for you to play along with. These immortal pieces will enrich the musical knowledge of young violinists and at the same time guarantee good preparation for performing original repertoire in the future.