HISTORY 204 – PREPARATION 1

(F-11)

For Tuesday, Sept 6

Attached is a very short reading labeled “Conservation of Debussy and Ernest Guiraud.” Read it a couple of times. Then listen again to Nuages (NAWM 156) and to Syrinx in the supplementary listening. Now, please answer the following questions.

1. What is the source of this document? Can you think of any reasons to doubt that it transmits Debussy's opinions accurately?

2. Debussy says "the tonal scale must be enriched by other scales." What do you think Debussy means by "other scales"?

3. Can you find an example of a "tonal scale" in Nuages? of "another scale"? (refer to your examples by bar number)

4. Can you find an example of a "tonal scale" in Syrinx? of "another scale"? (give bar numbers)

5. Debussy seems to be critical of "development," in "classical" composers and also in Wagner. Explain what you think he means by "developments for the sake of developments"? Can you find an example of "development " in Syrinx or Nuages? Or are they free from "development."

6. What impression does this reading give you of Debussy as a person and as a composer?

Please write out your answers neatly or (even better) type them, and hand them in at the end of class.