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| Claude Debussy (1862-1918) is perhaps the best known composer of the Impressionistic period. Some of the elements of this style include the obscurement of beat through the use of ties across the bar lines and the use of nuance to bend the tempo. This style of music also creates moods and images in the listener by use of ethereal melodies and dissonant, yet pleasing harmonies. Reverie (1890) has all of these characteristics - specifically, the arpeggios in the opening accompaniment, the lyric melody that follows, the flowing dynamic changes and the incredible demands on musicality through nuance. Making music is such a personal expression and in particular, music of this period is of particular challenge to the conductor as he/she wrestles with the interpretation, phrasing, and nuance. The arranger has added a few of these interpretations, but to be certain, there are many, many opportunities to do more. Conductors are encouraged to listen to other performances of this work in order to help develop a more personal musical interpretation. While this arrangement falls into the technical category of Level 4+, is can and should be considered of much higher musical difficulty. That is the challenge, and that is the higher reward. |
| Click below to hear a recording of this arrangement by the Austin Handbell Ensemble. |
| Click the title page below to see a sample score |
