The Art of Verse and Sound: Debussy’s Preludes
The Art of Verse and Sound: Debussy’s Preludes offers a distinctive evening pairing of solo piano and poetry, exploring sound and language together. Performances of Book I of Claude Debussy’s Preludes for solo piano alternate with poetry readings from the stage, creating space for reflection between music and verse.
Debussy’s Preludes, known for their evocative titles and richly atmospheric writing, inspire a range of poetic responses that mingle with the composer’s musical imagery and expression. Heard side by side, the piano works and readings invite audiences to experience how sound and text can resonate, contrast, and complement one another.
This event is presented in collaboration with the MSU College of Music and the Residential College for the Arts and Humanities. Directors include Assistant Professor of Piano Stanislav Khristenko and RCAH Center for Poetry Director Toby Altman.
MSU Pianists include Mengyue Jian, Seri Kim, Xiaolin Lin, and Yeyu Tao.
Book I of Claude Debussy’s Preludes consists of 12 individual works: Danseuses de Delphes (Lent et grave); Voiles (Modéré); Le vent dans la plaine (Animé); Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l’air du soir (Modéré); Les collines d’Anacapri (Très modéré); Des pas sur la neige (Triste et lent); Ce qu’a vu le vent d’ouest (Animé et tumultueux); La fille aux cheveux de lin (Très calme et doucement expressif); La sérénade interrompue (Modérément animé); La cathédrale engloutie (Profondément calme); La danse de Puck (Capricieux et léger); and Minstrels (Modéré).
Poetry readings feature voices from across MSU and the Michigan arts community, including students, faculty, alumni, and regional poets:
- Ars Poetica by Jeremiah Young Walker
- Heartstrings by Charisma Holly
- Leslie Street by Bek Small
- Lone Daisy by Tracy Anderson
- A Split End by Frank Jeffries
- Through Fischer’s Lens by Peter Ruark
- So Much Easier by Joanne Gram
- Debussy by Isaac Napier
- Search Party by Steven Brown
- Career Day by Michael Clark
- The One With Crossed Arms by Rajanikanth Chowdanayaka
- Out Walking Without Glasses By Cheryl Caeser