The third section of the Suite Bergamasque by Debussy is titled “Clair de lune” and it provides an elegant contrast to the suite’s sprightly second and fourth movements. One of Debussy’s early compositions, it is the most readily recognizable segment of his works.
The title of the movement refers to a folk song that was the conventional accompaniment of scenes of the love-sick Pierrot in the French pantomime. Set in the larger composition’s reference to Bergamo, Italy—a city traditionally considered the home of Harlequin, a standard figure of the commedia dell’arte—the piece shows Debussy’s connections with the circus spirit prevalent in early 20th-century compositions.
Here is pianist Vanessa Mosell to play this music for you:
