Claire de Lune Analysis Essay
ST. Petersburg College.
9/28/2018
HUM1020 Introduction to Humanities
Prof: Mr. Wolter
Claire de Lune: Description
The title of the song means moonlight, which mirrors the feel of the song and its musicality. The
song has a soft, soothing rhythm that creates a dreamlike peaceful feeling as one listens. The rhythm is
catchy and demands an audience. It captures the attention of the listener to the end, banking on its
mysterious tonal variation, such that the listener does not know what to expect as the song progresses.
It has a pleasant celestial melody that resonates with silence and peace. It uses tonal variation using
instruments to create an almost celestial sweet melody. The melody and the rhythm work to design the
harmony of the song (Scruton, 2011).
Mood
The song triggers a nostalgic, dreamy vibe. It makes one think about all the peaceful memories one
has had. It makes one remain grounded and glued to the music, not responding to any distractions. The
song creates a sad, melancholic mood, which makes the listener to remember the sad, soulful things of
the past. Also, it gives one a sense of light rain at night while people play instruments silently.
Apollonian vs. Dionysian
The song “Clair de Lune” is Apollonian. It is about thinking and stillness. Dionysian music associates
with dancing and movement and is generally ecstatic (Leeming, 2016). The song discussed herein has
nothing to do with that. It is soft, pleasant and harmonious and inspires thoughts and feelings. Its
musicality does not resonate with dance and such movement. It is more collected and grounding.
ST. Petersburg College.
9/28/2018
HUM1020 Introduction to Humanities
Prof: Mr. Wolter
Claire de Lune: Description
The title of the song means moonlight, which mirrors the feel of the song and its musicality. The
song has a soft, soothing rhythm that creates a dreamlike peaceful feeling as one listens. The rhythm is
catchy and demands an audience. It captures the attention of the listener to the end, banking on its
mysterious tonal variation, such that the listener does not know what to expect as the song progresses.
It has a pleasant celestial melody that resonates with silence and peace. It uses tonal variation using
instruments to create an almost celestial sweet melody. The melody and the rhythm work to design the
harmony of the song (Scruton, 2011).
Mood
The song triggers a nostalgic, dreamy vibe. It makes one think about all the peaceful memories one
has had. It makes one remain grounded and glued to the music, not responding to any distractions. The
song creates a sad, melancholic mood, which makes the listener to remember the sad, soulful things of
the past. Also, it gives one a sense of light rain at night while people play instruments silently.
Apollonian vs. Dionysian
The song “Clair de Lune” is Apollonian. It is about thinking and stillness. Dionysian music associates
with dancing and movement and is generally ecstatic (Leeming, 2016). The song discussed herein has
nothing to do with that. It is soft, pleasant and harmonious and inspires thoughts and feelings. Its
musicality does not resonate with dance and such movement. It is more collected and grounding.
