Beyond black and white

Abstract

This exposition reflects on several performances by the authors that aimed to re-imagine selected pieces by Debussy in the centenary year of his death. More particularly, it considers some issues and implications arising from performing the composer’s music for piano(s) on modern digital instruments, specifically the Nord Stage 3 keyboards (2017). The exposition focuses primarily on the second movement of En blanc et noir, although the composer’s version of Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune for two pianos and the solo prelude “Voiles” are also considered. The authors propose that exploring this pivotal music from the Western and Modernist traditions on digital instruments allows it to be presented and heard in new ways, thereby expanding our perception and experience of it. Several video-recorded performances of these pieces are provided. An outline of Debussy’s own preferences concerning instruments is offered, together with some brief comments on his broader aesthetics, our perspective being that our versions remain congruent with underlying aspects of both of these.