Claude Debussy

Rêverie - L. 68

Rêverie by Claude Debussy is a solo piano piece composed in 1890. Published in 1891, it was premiered by Germaine Alexandre. It is listed as L. 86 in the catalog of Debussy's works by François Lesure. It is considered one of Debussy’s early works and demonstrates his initial exploration of non-traditional harmonic structures.

Rêverie is written in a simple ABA form, with a primary theme that recurs throughout. The composition features a moderate tempo and makes use of fluid arpeggios and stepwise melodic lines. The harmonies often shift subtly, using chords that explore tonal ambiguity, a technique that would become more prominent in Debussy’s later work.

The piece is relatively short and is structured around a soft dynamic range, employing frequent use of rubato to allow flexibility in timing.

Rêverie means daydream or a dreamy state.

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Debussy - Rêverie - L. 68