Prelude from Suite Bergamasque

The Suite bergamasque is one of the most famous piano suites by Claude Debussy. It was first composed by Debussy around 1890, at the age of 28, but was significantly revised just before its publication in 1905. The final title of Suite bergamasque comes from Verlaine's poem "Clair de lune," which refers to bergamasks (a rustic, clumsy dance from northern Italy) in its opening stanza. The Prelude is full of dynamic contrasts with a vigorous beginning and ending. It is a festive piece and holds much of the Baroque style that is commonly found in preludes.