Regarding the maid with the flaxen hair (Debussy)

[smodtactical47]

Hey everyone, I'm trying to play this piece and I noticed that many versions start with an F natural whereas other versions start with a D natural. I noticed when listening to YouTube versions that most people start with D natural and to me this sounds more right. Also if playing in the supper register/octave I've found it impossible to start with f natural since the next note is c natural and sounds just wrong.

How do you play this very nice piece by Debussy?

Thanks.

[pied_piper]

Music can be transposed to different keys. Just play what is on your sheet music.

[smodtactical47]

That's the thing. Some sheet music starts with F. Some starts with D.

I actually cannot play with F first in the upper register because the next note in C sounds horrible when transitioning. Please try it yourself.

[smodtactical47]

The issue is there is sheet music with both variations. And sorry when I said 'F natural' I meant 'E natural', apologies.

I personally find it impossible to play the E version in the upper register because the next key of C sounds totally wrong. But most of the 'flute' specific sheet music starts with E.

Strange.