Première arabesque
in E major
Claude Debussy 1862–1918
E major
Key
Andantino con moto
Tempo
Score
Listen
Finding a recording…
Difficulty
Our estimate Intermediate
—No community ratings yet0 votes
Sign in to add your rating.
Themes & character
Flowing arpeggios·Early Debussy·Ornamental line·Paired with Arabesque No. 2
At a glance
- Key
- E major
- Tempo / character
- Andantino con moto
About the piece
The first of Debussy's Deux Arabesques, composed around 1888 to 1891 and published in 1891, among his earliest widely performed piano works. Its title borrows from the decorative, interlacing patterns of Islamic art and ornament, an idea Debussy found appealing for music built from flowing, curling lines rather than strict development.
Rippling arpeggios wash across a gentle melody, already hinting at the harmonic freedom he would pursue further in his mature works.
The composer
Claude Debussy
1862–1918
Achille Claude Debussy was a French composer, born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. He is sometimes seen as the first Impressionist composer, although he vigorously rejected the term. He was among the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
Loading…