Description
Composed in 1888 when Debussy was in his mid-twenties, this is one of his earliest well-known works. Elegant arpeggios ripple beneath a flowing, songlike melody, hinting at the Impressionist style he would later develop while still retaining classical balance. It offers intermediate players a good vehicle for practicing smooth finger movement and a gentle touch.
Works titled "Arabesque," including Debussy's two impressionist pieces and a work by Schumann, all defined by graceful, flowing melodic lines.
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Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Claude Debussy was a leading figure of French musical Impressionism, whose distinctive harmonic language, drawing on whole-tone scales and church modes, along with pictorial, poetic musical imagery, had a profound influence on twentieth-century music. His piano works, including the Arabesques, the Preludes, and "Clair de Lune," remain beloved favorites. This site includes his First and Second Arabesques, a piece from Book 1 of the Preludes, and "Clair de Lune."
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