“En bateau” (Sailing) is the first and most famous movement of Claude Debussy’s Petite Suite for piano four-hands, composed between 1886 and 1889. It is a serene, impressionistic piece, inspired by Paul Verlaine’s poetry, depicting a leisurely boat ride at dusk.
Key Details about “En Bateau”
- Context: It is the opening piece of the four-movement Petite Suite, written for one piano, four hands, and premiered in 1889.
- Mood: The piece evokes a sense of calm, water-borne serenity, utilizing a gentle, rocking melody.
- Style: The music reflects an early impressionistic style, capturing a dreamy, romantic atmosphere often associated with 18th-century paintings of leisurely outings.
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