On this wet and chilly morning here in Bogotá, I present to you this delightful little piece by the French composer Claude Debussy. La fille aux cheveux de lin is the eighth of the composer’s Préludes, Book I (1909–1910). The title translates roughly to The Girl with the Flaxen Hair. Flaxen is a pale yellow, wheat-like colour – like that of the girl in the video below. The image appears in fine art as a symbol of innocence and naivety.
‘When I was pregnant I played this song to my unborn child. She’s now a happy little girl with flaxen hair. And still wants to listen to this song before going to bed sometimes‘.
– Commentator in the video below
Despite its brevity, The Girl with the Flaxen Hair lifted my mood on this dreary, peculiarly dark morning. This light and lucid piece is charming and amorous. You can see why it drew its inspiration from the wonderfully romantic poem of the same name below. For, love, in clear summer sunlight / Has soared with the lark and sung now. It’s also easy to see why it’s one of Debussy’s most recorded works.
Despite its relative simplicity, it remains a very popular solo piano piece – one many of you will likely recognise. In writing it, Debussy steps away from some of his more complex later tendencies, returning instead to a clearer, more restrained style with simple, transparent harmonies.
Below is Leconte de Lisle‘s poem by the same name, translated into English below (Wikipedia):
On the lucerne midst flowers in bloom,
Who sings praises to morning?
It is the girl with golden hair,
The beauty with lips of cherry.
For, love, in clear summer sunlight,
Has soared with the lark and sung now.
Your mouth has such colours divine,
My dear, so tempting to kisses.
On grass in bloom, talk to me, please,
Girl with fine curls and long lashes.
For, love, in clear summer sunlight,
Has soared with the lark and sung now.
Do not say no, cruel maiden.
Do not say yes. Better to know
The long lasting gaze of your eyes
And your rosy lips, oh, my belle.
For, love, in clear summer sunlight,
Has soared with the lark and sung now.
Farewell, you deer, farewell you hares
And the red partridge. I want
To stroke the gold of your tresses
Smothering lips with my kisses.
For, love, in clear summer sunlight,
Has soared with the lark and sung now
References:
1. La fille aux cheveux de lin – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
This is one of only a few pieces I know by Debussy. I’m attracted to it for similar reasons, particularly the lightness, the simplicity while at the same time there is a fair bit going on. The poem is a nice add-on; I enjoyed reading that and listening on a cold and dreary-looking morning here.
By the way, I made a start on the ‘Origin of Everything’ video you shared and am going to get back there when I can. From the first couple of minutes, it had my interest.
I hope the day clears and brightens where you are, and have a fine Saturday, Matt.
Crappy weather your way as well, Steve?
It was astute of you to point out how “there’s a fair bit going on” despite its perceived simplicity. After a few re-listens this morning, I found myself thinking the same – but failed to mention it. Thankfully, you did that for me, lol.
I was hoping the weather would shift back to its usual sunny morning self, but no such luck – it doesn’t seem likely either. So, no clothes washing for me today. Hopefully it improves where you are, too.
Oh – and I hope you like the video. It’s one of the most intriguing and informative ones I’ve seen in a good while. Cheers.