Interpretational solutions for harp in Debussy’s Dance Sacrée et Profane

Abstract

In this thesis I investigate how to interpret the harp part of Danse Sacrée et Profane by Claude Debussy with special focus on the different technical solutions for bars 8-12 and bars 143-150. Danse Sacrée et Profane is one of the most important pieces for harp and it is often requested in auditions. One question is what different techniques and solutions there are for bars 8-12. I also discuss the different technical solutions for the bars 143-150 that I have found. I have collected seven different versions of this problematic section and studied, recorded and discussed them. Finally, I have made my own version. I also discuss how Debussy intended the harp part of this piece to be played: which type of harp was this piece composed for? Why is this type of harp not used for this piece anymore? As material I have used literature based on Debussy’s life and works; articles from The American Harp Journal, and the score of the piece edited by Durandin Paris, 1904.