Suite bergamasque
The Suite bergamasque (IPA: /'bɛʀgamask/) is one of the most famous piano suites of Claude Debussy. It was likely named after Paul Verlaine's poem "Clair de lune", which references a bergamask. It was published in 1903 and consists of four parts, or movements.
- Prélude
- Menuet
- Clair de lune
- Passepied
The Prélude is in the key of F, tempo rubato. It is full of dynamic contrasts with a very spectacular beginning and ending. The second movement is entitled Menuet, as in the Baroque suite form. Its playful main theme contrasts with an alternatively mysterious and dramatic middle section. It is followed by the famous Clair de lune (Moonlight), played mostly pianissimo. The final movement is Passepied in F-sharp minor, allegretto ma non troppo; it is again playful and ends quietly.
"Clair de lune" from Suite bergamasque
The third movement of Suite bergamasque is its most famous; titled "Clair de lune", meaning moonlight. It is heard widely in movies, television shows, advertisements, and the like. It was written with Paul Verlaine's poem by the same name in mind. It is mostly played pianissimo and is in D-flat major.
External links
- Suite bergamasque at IMDb
- Template:It An essai on the Suite bergamasque
Recordings
- "Clair de lune", the third movement of Claude Debussy's piano suite Suite bergamasque, performed by Alberto Cobo in file MP3.
- Complete Recording of Suite bergamasque on Piano, at Piano Society.com - Free Classical Piano Recordings
- Clair de lune on theremin by Lydia Kavina
- Clair de lune played by Tom Hazleton on the Wurlitzer theatre organ at the Alabama Theatre