Debussy – "Général Lavine" – eccentric | Préludes, Book II, No. 6 (PDF Sheet Music / Digital Download)

Edited by Glenn Riddle

This new edition of Claude Debussy’s "Général Lavine" – eccentric (Préludes, Book II, No. 6) offers an unparalleled deep dive into one of the most whimsical and technically specific works of the 20th-century repertoire. Edited by the renowned pianist and pedagogue Glenn Riddle, this volume serves as both a scholarly resource and a practical performance guide. It provides exhaustive historical context, detailing the specific events and the real-life circus performer—Edward Lavine—who inspired Debussy’s "wooden" and mechanical musical language. With full French translations included, this edition ensures that every nuanced instruction and stylistic marking is accessible to the modern performer.

Glenn Riddle’s expert contributions go beyond mere notation, featuring in-depth compositional analysis and meticulous performance notes. Musicians will find specialized guidance on capturing the unique "cakewalk" and ragtime influences that define the piece, including tailored fingering suggestions designed to master its dry, percussive articulation.

Whether you are a student preparing for diploma-level examinations or a professional pianist seeking a more profound structural and stylistic understanding, this edition provides the essential tools to deliver a sophisticated, historically informed performance.