La Plus Que Lente
Debussy is a funny name (sorry Monsieur D). I never really got well-acquainted with his works though there is this guy who recorded every one of his piano composition, Christopher Devine, so by all means I think we should thank him for creating a superb performance to enjoy for any Debussy marathon, if you ever would like to run on one.
Personally I've never really finished it because anything after his Arabesques always seemed unfamiliar. I mean, of course they're unfamiliar because it's the first time hearing them, but maybe it's also this preconceived notion of him being this impressionistic chill composer. So when his works don't turn out to be what you expected, I think it's easy to feel disappointed.
Maybe I should get rid of that idea before revisiting his compositions, although ironically La plus que lente is still a part of what fits the idea of his impressionistic writing style. I would like to mention that the first encounter I had with this piece is through a compilation of piano waltzes. Not only are waltzes beautiful, but it's always a good go-to when you don't know what to listen to.
La plus que lente itself means 'even slower waltz', apparently written by Debussy as a satire towards the popular valse lente 'slow waltz' at that time. I'm not sure what about the style he was trying to make fun of because the piece itself sounds too tranquil to be an insult. I think of it as lying on the shore until you eventually get swept away by the waves. At least, that's how this rendition sounds to me, one by Aldo Ciccolini, pianist of the waltz compilation I previously mentioned.
I'm not sure who Edgar Degas is but it could be the painter of the images used. Personally this might just be my idea of serenity, or surrender, or serenity by surrendering. Whatever that is. Although, on some days it sounds more like a consolation towards a schadenfreude, some track to play during or after a silly but tragic event.
The one by Devine, which you should be able to find in his compilation, still sounds too quick for what is supposed to be an even slower waltz, for me at least. It's still really good, just too quick for what I'm familiar with. His performace on Debussy's other works are amazing though, irresponsibly I forgot which piece it belonged to but I could've sworn he made the high notes sound like that of a vibraphone.
Besides being played on the piano, there's also this rendition for the violin performed by Heifetz.
A little off topic but after looking into Heifetz I can only say that my confidence as a violinist has been considerably humbled. As much as he's no longer alive, some still boldly say that to be his student would be an honour, but I think studying with him would be terrifying. Knowing how much of a perfectionist he is, I doubt my skills are on par with his expectations. His discipline in his practice ritual and his consideration towards the instrument is something every musician should look up to. The practice 40 hours a day meme is real and I am nothing compared to it.
On the performance for violin, it's really beautiful, but I find that the melody stands out a bit too much from the accompaniment, which unfortunately irks me more than it should. With this I think it's best played on the piano, but how Heifetz sung it on the violin, listening to the piece just one time isn't enough.