Debussy's "L’isle joyeuse", L. 106

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On Oct. 18, 2018, pianist Henry Kramer ’13AD ’19DMA performed a degree-recital program that included Debussy’s “L’Isle joyeuse,” L. 106.

“This performance of Debussy's 'L'Isle joyeuse' was very special to me because it occurred during my final recital at Yale after so many wonderful years in the artist diploma and DMA programs,” Henry said. “The piece was inspired by Jean-Antoine Watteau's 1717 painting titled 'L’Embarquement pour Cythère' ('The Embarkation for Cythera'). The painting depicts revelers on the island around a central female figure who is looking back at the viewer. Debussy's music captures the expectation and excitement just before arrival on the island. In Greek mythology, Cythera was the domain of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. The music oscillates between a reed-like melody characterized by excited dotted rhythms and a floating lyrical section which Debussy instructs to be played 'ondoyant' or undulating. The tension culminates in a positively ecstatic climactic passage. I hope this performance will bring beauty to the listeners as well as a renewed expectation for joyous days to come.”

Thanks, Henry.