Children’s Corner (L. 113) is a suite for solo piano by Claude Debussy, completed in 1908. A typical performance of the suite will last around 15 minutes. It is dedicated to Debussy’s daughter, Claude-Emma (known as “Chou-Chou”), who was three years old at the time. The pieces are not intended to be played by children; rather they are meant to be evocative of childhood. Emma-Claude was born on October 30, 1905 in Paris, and is described as a lively and friendly child who was adored by her father. She died of diphtheria on July 14, 1919, scarcely a year after her father’s death.
There are six pieces in the suite, each with an English-language title. This choice of language reflects Debussy’s anglophilia, and may also be a nod towards Chou-Chou’s English governess. Technically, this piece is quite difficult as it requires precise staccato playing in both hands, which is meanwhile accompanied by delicate voicing. This is a somewhat sad piece as it is written in D minor and contains rather ‘doubting’ harmonies.
(Song proposed by Panos, thanks x 1000)
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