Debussy Arabesque No.1 in E Major

Claude Debussy, one of the greatest french composer. There is so much expression in his music, that I can imagine a painting by Claude Monet upon listening. Maybe you think I’m exaggerating, but after you listen to the Deux Arabesques No.1, you will believe me. Arabesque No.1 in E Major is the first of a suite of 2 Arabesques by Debussy, who composed it between the years of 1888 and 1891. Composed by a youthful Debussy who was only in his late 20s at the time, the piece has got a distinct French romantic feel. The Arpeggio that opens the Arabesque naturally draws you into the flow of the music, and the overall listening experience is quite surreal in a way.

The piece is not played very frequently by famous pianists, probably due to it’s relatively easiness. I think the piece is not technically difficult, but upon listening to the many amateur renditions on youtube, I’m yet to find one satisfying listening experience. It’s a really hard piece indeed to play well and to express the dream-like feel.

The best performance I found on youtube is by a Japanese pianist Ichiro Nodaira, I haven’t heard of him, but he’s got a very sensitive touch and played the Debussy piece quite beautifully. I am posting it here and I hope you like it.

Ichiro Nodaira playing Arabesques No.1 : Andantino con moto

I found a rendition by great Russian Pianist Bunin on youtube, but the sound quality is not good. I think his touch is a bit on the heavy side for my liking of this piece, guess it has to do with the sound quality too. The Arabesque is only the first 4 minutes, the rest is some other music.

Bunin plays Arabesques No.1

For sheet music of Debussy Arabesques No.1, here it is:

Debussy – Arabesque No.1 Sheet Music