Debussy (1862-1918) was considered the the first and most influential of the French Impressionist school. I have already written about him here and so I won't repeat myself!

However, I will write a bit about these two little pieces. These pieces are descriptive pieces and they are describing the whirling and looping visual designs that are known as Arabesques. These designs were first used in Islamic designs from the 9th century and then appeared again in Western Renaissance designs many centuries later!

As you can see, Debussy has tried (successfully in my ears) to imitate in sound the visual designs and patterns of the past.

Wikimedia Commons

In this set, there are two Arabesques of different character. With the first being more sombre and graceful, and the second being a more playful and whirlwind character. Both pieces are light in texture and feature musical devices to help evoke the looping and circling that is conveyed in the visual designs.

The Performers

Unfortunately, the performer wasn't credited on this YouTube video. However, it is one of the more beautiful performances of this piece that I've heard! So a mystery genius of the piano!