Would Clair de Lune by debussy be a good alarm?

Question

I want something calming to wake me up in the morning but do you think Clair de Lune by Debussy would wake me up at all? Also will it make me in a better mood for the day?

Answer 1

Ha, the irony.



If you know your french, Clair de Lune is translated to "Moonlight".

This piece is the third movement from Claude Debussy's Suite bergamasque which is most likely a musical depiction of a Paul Verlain poem: http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/French/Verlaine.htm#_Toc224100046



This piece, and the prelude from the bergamasque suite are more what I would call "Falling asleep music", or "Listen in awe music" but the latter is more relevant for the whole suite, or all over Debussy's works.



So...Clair de Lune = Moonlight.

Why not have the loved classic "Morning Mood" from the Peer Gynt suite by Grieg as your alarm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAMLCDnCLzs



Or, if you still want Debussy,Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune , (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun ).



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_7loz-HWUM

Answer 2

Here is Alberich's very fine suggestion, Ravel, Daphnis et Chloe, the same segment, 'sunrise' (lever de jour), but in the original orchestration including the full choir (wordless). It is glorious. The slow build and literal references to bird calls is one very good way to set up your day!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGqlMrAr2Fw



I also love Darius Milhaud's orchestral 'Suite Provencale.' It is a series of pieces based on French songs and dances from Aix en Provence. The suite opens with a grand air which has a broad sweeping feeling, and most of the rest have an upbeat 'happy' sound to them. I can also imagine being happily awakened by this music - sadly, no youtube clips (anyone?)



Debussy piano: the Passepied from Suite Bergamasque;

Richter live in 1977

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBqbTix9Sac

unidentified pianist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4fVJW1IxYI



.... how about the very pleasant disposition of the Bach Partita No. 1 in B-flat... or at least the prelude?

Glenn Gould plays for us;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVZkuQceVkU





Best regards.

Answer 3

Once, I left my ipod on all night by accident. I woke up to the last movement of Beethoven's Pastoral symphony, I was extremely happy and in a good mood for a better part of the day. More so than normal. I should try that again....

Answer 4

If you want calming Cair de Lune certainly would fit that description. However, if you are a heavy sleeper like I am it definitely won't wake you up. As for music that will wake you up without being too boisterous I would maybe go with a Sibelius symphony (1,2,3 are my favorites!)

Answer 5

This piece I think would be appropriate for you(it's also by a French composer). A section from Maurice Ravels score for his "Daphnis and Chloe" ballet.





It's entitled appropriately enough, "Daybreak": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrOJcEHXYWM



Alberich

Answer 6

Yea, although only second to Bella's Lullaby.



Seriously, I used to get asleep while listening to heavy metal... there are rules in this area whatsoever.