Description
Although Debussy's Suite bergamasque was not published until 1905, he indicated it was an early work by writing the date of composition as "1890" on the proofs. He had actually sold the now-lost manuscript to the publisher Choudens in 1890, but it remained unpublished until over a decade later. This delayed publication suggests Debussy remained convinced of the work's value.
The four-movement Suite bergamasque became especially popular for its slow third movement, "Clair de lune," which evokes the atmospheric ambience of a moonlit night. The enduring popularity of the piece is evidenced by the countless transcriptions created for various instrumental groups, as well as the continued acclaim for the complete suite.
