Idiomatic Writing as an Interpretative Tool in Performing Claude Debussy’s Poissons d’or

Abstract

Piano idiomatic writing refers to compositional techniques that fully exploit the technical capabilities and expressive potential of the piano. Understanding these techniques provides an important framework for analyzing piano repertoire and informing performance interpretation. Claude Debussy’s Poissons d’or, composed during his mature creative period, is a representative work of Impressionist piano music, distinguished by its innovative textures, rich tonal colors, and sophisticated pianistic writing. This study examines the idiomatic piano writing in Poissons d’or through score analysis, stylistic analysis, and performance interpretation. It explores how Debussy’s treatment of texture, sonority, touch, pedaling, and dynamics contributes to the expressive character of the work and shapes interpretative decisions. The findings indicate that Debussy’s idiomatic writing is closely connected with the musical structure and aesthetic intentions of the composition, requiring performers to integrate technical precision with artistic sensitivity. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Debussy’s compositional language and provides practical interpretative insights for performers, teachers, and researchers engaged in Impressionist piano repertoire.