Premiere Arabesque (1890)

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

SATB Sax Quartet

Première Arabesque, by Claude Debussy, arranged for Saxophone Quartet SATB. The Premiere  Arabesque is one of pair of arabesques Claude Debussy composed when he was still in his twenties, between the years 1888 and 1891. Although an early work, the arabesque contains hints of Debussy’s developing musical style. It is one of his early impressionistic pieces. Debussy seems to wander through modes and keys to create an evocative scene through music.

The First Arabesque was originally in the key of E major but this arrangement for saxophone quartet has been lowered a semitone the key of E flat. Common time throughout, mostly and rhythmically straightforward but the tempo rises and falls frequently. Sometimes quite chromatic as it wanders through adjacent or remote keys. Parts are very independent. with a good deal of passing the famous arpeggiated melody between the soprano, alto, and tenor voices. A piece for a more experienced quartet. This arrangement includes a full score and soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone sax parts.

• The range for each saxophone part is shown below.
• Audio and score excerpts are available above.
• Registered users can download a complete sample score and full length audio file of Premiere Arabesque on the ‘Samples’ tab.

Claude Debussy was a popular French composer who, together with Maurice Ravel, was among the most prominent figures in Impressionist music. He was also one of the most influential composers of the early 20th century. Saxophone players know him for his Rhapsodie for Saxophone and Orchestra, a commission he somewhat unwilling accepted.