Petite Suite

Claude Debussy (1862 - 1918)

Written in 1889 and later arranged for small orchestra by Henri Büsser, Debussy's Petite Suite has now become a favourite in the piano duet repertoire.

In the opening barcarolle entitled "En bateau", a boat is gently floating by, with the waters rippling beneath it. 

"Cortège" portrays a colourful procession and features a delightful scherzando middle section.  The graceful

 minuet that follows, with its lute-like accompanying figures and lyrical melodies, provides a suitable contrast before the lively finale, "Ballet".  However, the playful opening motif of the "Ballet" soon glides into a charming waltz reminiscent of Delibes.  The first motif then returns, but before the close of the movement the waltz returns to bring the work to its delightful conclusion.