Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun: Analysis & Guide
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun by Claude Debussy
Rhythm
Debussy employs a rhythmic approach that avoids a rigid alternation of strong and weak accents. Instead of eliminating the bar, he weakens it through continuous changes in time signature: 9/8, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8, 9/8. In the first part, the eighth note consistently serves as the ternary subdivision. However, the middle section (not included in the provided score) features 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures. The melodic rhythm is subtle due to the varied note values, with notes and chords often placed on weak beats to dilute rhythmic uniformity. The piece begins with a moderate tempo indication, but later incorporates changes for a general easing of pace. At bar 20, Retenu (held back) is indicated, followed by légèrement et expressif (lightly and expressively) at bar 21, suggesting the conductor’s use of rubato.
Melody
The melodic line is prominent, with melodies prevalent throughout the work. It begins as a solo flute melody, characterized by a sweet and expressive nuance. This languid yet tense melody evokes oriental arabesques with their tonal ambiguity. The emphasis on the C sharp – G tritone weakens with each appearance, gravitating towards E major as suggested by the key signature. However, this key is only fully established at the end. The chords, despite their beauty, play a subordinate role, enhancing the ambiguity of the melody. In contrast, the middle section (not included in the score) is also melodic but features greater tonal stability in D flat major.
Texture
The texture is predominantly harmonic. Chords create an evocative atmosphere for the undulating melody. Many chords function independently for their sonic beauty rather than harmonic progression (e.g., the chords in bars 4-5 and 7-8). Parallel movements in harmonic progressions (e.g., bars 24 and 27 in the strings) are another characteristic, introducing an archaic flavor. Polyphonic passages are primarily found in the central section (not included). In the first section, a brief example occurs in measure 22, with the cellos playing a descending line against the flute melody, supported by the English horn, second violins, and divisi cellos.
Timbre
The refined use of timbre is a defining characteristic of this work and the Impressionist style. The orchestration showcases the richness of the woodwinds, complemented by a horn quartet. The two harps are crucial, with the first employing a special tuning. Impressionistic techniques are evident in the broad glissandi (bars 4 and 8) and “liquid sounds” created by rapid arpeggios of dissonant chords in the upper register (bars 21, 23, and 26). The second harp often plays sustained lines in the lower register, always with an arpeggiated indication. The strings, with independent parts for cellos and double basses, frequently utilize divisi writing. Mutes create a shimmering effect, and the instruction to play sur le chevalet (on the bridge) produces a dry, dark sound. The flute’s timbre is particularly important, representing the faun’s character from the beginning. Other instruments share the melody, with oboes and clarinets taking over from bar 17, followed by violins from bar 18, each adding their unique color. In the final appearance of the main melody, antique cymbals join the flute, suggesting the Dionysian world of the faun.
Form
As a composition inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé’s poem “The Afternoon of a Faun,” this work can be considered a small symphonic poem. However, Debussy focuses on capturing the poem’s languid and voluptuous atmosphere rather than programmatically developing its narrative. With the full score, an AA’BA’ structure could be observed, common in Debussy’s works. The variations on A, initiated by the flute representing the faun’s dream, could be interpreted as the musical representation of sleep, with recurring ideas presented in different guises.
Genre
Program music, with characteristics outlined in the previous sections.
Timeline
Impressionist period, last decade of the nineteenth century.
Title
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Author
Claude Debussy.