Debussy: Children’s Corner (Little Suite for Piano)

Add This Wonderful Piano Solo to Your Repertoire

Children’s Corner is a suite for solo piano composed by Claude Debussy in 1908. The suite consists of six short pieces that were inspired by Debussy’s daughter, Chou-Chou, and her toys; each piece in the suite has a unique character, with its own distinctive melody, harmony, and rhythm.

The first part in the suite-a playful and lively piece-is ＂Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum,＂ features a quick, virtuosic melody. The title is a reference to a 1746 treatise on counterpoint by Johann Joseph Fux, which was used as a textbook for many years.

The second piece is ＂Jimbo’s Lullaby,＂ unfolds as a gentle, soothing piece that portrays a mother elephant singing to her baby. The melody is simple and repetitive, creating a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for lulling a child to sleep.

The third piece, ＂Serenade for the Doll,＂ is a whimsical and playful piece that depicts a toy doll being serenaded by a small orchestra. The music is light and delicate, with a charming melody that evokes the innocence and wonder of childhood.

＂The Snow is Dancing,＂, part four, is a beautiful and evocative movement that portrays the delicate dance of snowflakes as they fall through the air. The music is light and graceful, with a gentle melody that captures the peacefulness and beauty of a winter snowfall.

The fifth piece is ＂The Little Shepherd,＂ a simple pastoral piece that evokes the idyllic countryside with a gentle melody which captures the tranquility of nature.

The final piece in the suite, ＂Golliwogg’s Cakewalk,＂ is lively and upbeat, featuring a syncopated rhythm and a playful melody. The piece is named after the character of Golliwogg, a blackface doll that was popular in the late 19th century.

Children’s Corner is a beautiful and charming suite that captures the innocence and wonder of childhood. Each piece in the suite has a unique character and charm, and together they create a wonderful musical portrait of a child’s world.