Debussy: Petite suite, L 65

Introduction

The Petite Suite, L 65, is a suite for Piano four hands by Claude Debussy. It has been transcribed many times, most notably in an orchestral version by Debussy's colleague Henri Büsser.

Background

The suite, which was composed from 1886 to 1889,

Structure

The work, which lasts about 13 minutes in performance, has four movements:

1. En bateau (Sailing): Andantino
2. Cortège (Retinue): Moderato
3. Menuet: Moderato
4. Ballet: Allegro giusto

The first two movements are settings of poems from the volume Fêtes galantes by Paul Verlaine.

Transcriptions

The Petite Suite was orchestrated by Debussy's colleague Henri Büsser in 1907, and published by A. Durand & Fils. Büsser's transcription calls for two flutes (second doubling piccolo), two oboes (second doubling cor anglais), two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, percussion (cymbals, tambourine and triangle), harp, and strings.