Claude Debussy Piano Music 1888-1905

This is an excellent collection of selections from Claude Debussy's piano works. This edition is clearly readable, the staves are well-spaced, and there are no noticeable smudged or illegible notations.

Anyone looking for a collection of Debussy's piano music look no further. This book is a clean edition, easy to read, lays flat and has withstood over 30 years of moderate use, (of which I am responsible for 3) I don't understand the reviewer who gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars because of the "difficulty of the music." This is definitely a 5, and a must for any Debussy fan.

I've had this edition for about 15 years, and physically it's held up very well. No tearing, binding is still strong, pages are as white as the day I got it. This is a generous sampling of Debussy's piano music. Some pieces, like L'isle Joyeuse, are not easy listening, though none are as experimental as Debussy became later in life. That said, many pieces, notably the Arabesques and Suite Bergmasque, are pretty and accessible. Difficulty ranges from moderate (Reverie, Claire De Lune) to virtuosic (Reflets dans l'eau, Mouvement) The major downside for the pianist is that there are no fingerings at all.

I remember this was the first volume of Dover piano music I ever bought, back when I was in high school in 1970 when it was first published. Then it cost exactly four dollars. I have played from it in all the years since then. The front cover long ago disappeared, but true to Dover's standards of sewing the pages in with thread like the best books, the volume is still intact. This is an generous collection of Debussy's earlier piano music, all from the original editions. A warning however, the original editions come with the original misprints, but most of these are obvious to the eye and ear.

I have used this particular edition for well over 20 years, and am constantly pleased by its sturdiness and legibility. I heartily recommend the Dover edition, not only of the Debussy, but of any work they may publish.