Premiere Arabesque

Premiere Arabesque, by Claude Debussy, arranged for Saxophone Quartet SATB. The Premiere Arabesque is one of pair of piano arabesques Claude Debussy composed when he was still in his twenties, between the years 1888 and 1891. Although an early work, the arabesque contains hints of Debussy's developing musical style. It is one of his early impressionistic pieces. Debussy seems to wander through modes and keys to create an evocative scene through music. The First Arabesque was originally in the key of E major but this arrangement for saxophone quartet has been lowered a semitone the key of E flat. Common time throughout, mostly and rhythmically straightforward but the tempo rises and falls frequently. Sometimes quite chromatic as it wanders through adjacent or remote keys. Parts are very independent. with a good deal of passing the famous arpeggiated melody between the soprano, alto, and tenor voices. A piece for a more experienced quartet. This arrangement includes a full score and soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone sax parts.