Description
Claude Debussy
Première Rhapsodie & Petite Pièce
for solo clarinet, flute, harp, and string quartet
arranged by Nicolai Pfeffer
Originally written for the final examination at the Paris Conservatoire, Debussy‘s “Première Rhapsodie“ quickly advanced to become one of the most popular pieces in the clarinet literature, for there is no doubt that the “Rhapsodie“ is a highly impressionistic work that makes virtuoso use of the tonal possibilities, the fine nuances and colours of the clarinet.
Its success was so overwhelming that Debussy later transcribed the piano accompaniment for large orchestra – in this form, the Rhapsody can still be heard today in the world‘s great concert halls. Nicolai Pfeffer has arranged this work for the exceptionally colourful instrumentation of Ravel‘s “Introduction et Allegro“, which allows the work to be performed in a chamber music context outside the widely used duo scoring.
The “Petite Pièce“ is another example of Debussy‘s mastery of the clarinet. Although it was conceived for the sight-reading examination of the Paris Conservatoire and comprises barely 40 bars, this charming gem is often heard as an encore in concert programmes for clarinet and piano. As a small “cadeau“ it was arranged for the same ensemble and is included in this edition for interested players. We hope that this edition will present Debussy‘s “Première Rhapsodie“ and “Petite Pièce“ in a new light and inspire both musicians and listeners to explore and appreciate the fascinating sound worlds of these important works.