About the piece
It is the third of the four pieces of the Suite bergamasque, begun around 1890 and published only in 1905. The title comes from a poem by Paul Verlaine.
It starts softly, almost outside time, with chords in 9/8; the middle section comes alive with continuous left-hand arpeggios under a broad melody.
How to practise it
- The opening: chords in both hands, very soft. Count the rests and tied notes carefully: the magic is in the suspended time.
- The middle section: learn the left-hand arpeggios alone and slowly first, then add the melody.
- The pedal is essential: change it with the harmony, listening for a clean sound.
- Split the piece into parts (the app splits it into four) and work on one part at a time.
Free sheet music
First page. Complete sheet music (PDF) on the Mutopia Project (public domain, edition by Keith OHara); in the Piano Learning app you read it two pages side by side while you play.
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
Not straight away: it needs control of sound and pedal. The first page is slow, though, and can be tackled early, hands separately.
Is the sheet music free?
Yes: Debussy died in 1918, the music is in the public domain and this Mutopia Project edition is free.