Customer Reviews

Debussy for Daydreaming

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Me being a great fan of Debussy, I was instantly attracted to this cd when I saw it. And it is a good mix of music reflective of Debussy's style. I love listening to it while drawing or writing, or just to daydream, like the title says.

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.

Compilation CD's like this are an excellent first CD to purchase when first exploring a new composer or style of music ("Impressionism" 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.

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.

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.

This music evokes both emotions and images of life waking up in spring, even being in a magical forest where anything can happen, or floating on clouds. You can just enjoy the music and let your imagination soar or the music can take you into that trance-like state where you can access creative ideas and creative solutions to any problems - and maybe they just dissolve of their own accord.

This CD is just pure magic. I know that is such a cliche' thing to say, but it really is. Of course, it really won't appeal to those people who are into EXTREME LIVING...whatever the hell that means, because to me, extreme living is living close to the soul, close to the spirit, close to the Invisible Source that makes and creates all things in and out of Itself.

Debussy was a composer who lived very close to this Invisible Stream. His music reflects a gentleness and yet a strength that flows throughout each composistion. The arrangements are dreamy and mystical and allows one to go into their "inner chamber" and pray in secret to the One who knows their heart as well as their soul.

As much as I love this CD, I tend not to listen to it in the car. I once listened to it while making a routine drive to Santa Monica. The CD stopped and I had somehow missed all of my exits and ended up in Ventura...talk about being in dreamland!

It's a great CD to put in your walkman and go to an outdoor cafe' where you can sip a cafe latte and write poems to an unknown lover whose face you cannot remember, but whose gentle breath is the scent of lavendar...oh, I wax poetic...so sorry...

If you are into quiet and stillness, get this CD...it's truly a breath of fresh air in this noisy, crowded, extreme world we have to be in but not necessarily of...

Peace & Blessings

I had no familiarty with the music of Claude Debussy before buying this album, that's why I can honestly say it's for everybody. It's soothing, yet not "New Age-ey". Allow the music to get in your head, and it will create astounding fantasy worlds! As a poet, I find this CD to be a great aid when I'm needing some inspiration! I also heartily recommend any album in the Philips' "Set Your Life To Music" series!

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.

I purchased a variety of classical CD's in the last six months. Debussy for Daydreaming is relaxing, optimistic and lighthearted. At work or at home, when I want something in the background to make me feel good, this is what I reach for.

This is my favorite classical CD of all time. I can't even put into words how much I love "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun", lush music that transports my mind to the islands of the South Pacific. I love the impressionist era in art, and this music is from the same time. It fits. "Images for Orchestra - Perfumes of the Night" is my other favorite track. Much of the music exhibits a highly cinematic flair. Sometimes I listen and feel like I am watching old movies. Beautiful images flood my mind; intense emotions, color, and dramatic scenes. Highly recommended. Listen and dream.