Debussy Preludes: Bruyeres by Philharmonia Orchestra and Geoffrey Simon

Visual courtesy via Cala Records

Debussy Preludes: Bruyeres by Philharmonia Orchestra and Geoffrey Simon

The Debussy Preludes are a masterclass in using instrumental music to piece together a set, and Bruyeres is no exception- especially in this gentle orchestral rearrangement by Percy Grainger. The scene is set: An endlessly vast night sky with a pale moon, hinting at worlds beyond wildest dreams as heather flowers sway on the rich green ground. This is a song I often listen to when I am at the beginning of writing a story- especially an archetypal ‘Hero’s Journey’ style one- simply because of its sense of promise and things yet to be uncovered. It is highly likely, judging by the musical similarities in its midsection, that this melody inspired John Williams to compose the theme of “Star Wars”- especially the slower, nostalgic woodwind rendition of the melody. Whether that’s true or not, Bruyeres has a wonderful sense of peace and yet promise that has made it become my favorite Debussy piece.

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