Suite Bergamasque

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) is widely considered the founder of Impressionism. His music was considered as the most “Gallic” – a prominent example of composers who are influenced by multiple aesthetic sources in French music. This model of garnering inspiration from ornamental sources also offered a more comprehensive articulation of emotion and sentiment (Galaxy Music Notes). Suite bergamasque is a four-movement suite of solo piano works that Debussy began composing around 1890 while he was still a 28 year old student. It was only after an offer from a publisher in 1905 that Debussy agreed to revise and submit them for publication as this suite. The piece uses the Baroque suite as an initial framework, borrowing the familiar movement titles of Passepied, Menuet and Prelude.

1. Prélude evokes a sense of improvisation throughout the piece. It opens with a triumphant tone, followed by playful harmonies which culminate in a climactic coda.
2. Menuet is inspired by baroque dance and the arabesque motif, using delicate embellishments and ornaments to decorate the melodic line.
3. Clair de Lune (meaning “Moonlight”) truly stands alone, and is one of the most well-known and celebrated works of art in the entire realm of classical music. It is interesting to note that the original title of this piece was “Promenade Sentimentale” (a sentimental walk). The variety of different tempo markings throughout this movement creates a sensitive feeling of romance and yearning. Debussy ends the suite with
4. Passepied, a traditional lively baroque dance movement, however it is somewhat slower than what would have been common in the 17th century. A staccato eighth-note accompaniment is maintained throughout the movement under alternating rhythmic dance-like and romantic lyrical sections.

This arrangement was premiered on the editor’s Faculty Trumpet Recital at Iowa State University on February 27th, 2024. It is indeed a great addition to the recital repertoire.

1. Prelude – Trumpet in C
2. Menuet – Trumpet in C
3. Clair de Lune – Flugelhorn
4. Passepied – Trumpet in C

For Trumpet in C (Doubles on Flugelhorn) & Piano.