Description

The six pieces in this little suite, composed between 1893 and 1896, were inspired by Hélène Bardac, the young daughter of a singer with whom the composer was friends. Born in 1892, the girl was affectionately nicknamed "Dolly" for her small, delicate figure. Primarily written for her birthday or the New Year, the pieces reflect the world as experienced by a growing child, ranging from a soothing lullaby to a spirited dance. Though these light-hearted works were not meant to be taken overly seriously, they contain subtle allusions to the composer's own music and that of others, showcasing the numerous harmonic and rhythmic subtleties characteristic of the French composer's style. Despite their simple structure, the pieces soon became popular, demonstrating that this "children's music" is equally well-suited for adult listeners.