In 1909, Claude Debussy (1862-1918) joined the conseil supérieur of the Paris Conservatory at the invitation of its director, Gabriel Fauré. As part of his duties, Debussy occasionally served as an adjudicator and composer for the Conservatory’s examinations. A year later, while on the clarinet jury, he was tasked with composing two pieces for students to perform as part of their evaluations. This commission resulted in the creation of the Première Rhapsodie and the shorter Petite Pièce.
surely one of the most pleasing pieces I have ever written.”
Despite initial reluctance about hearing his works performed by eleven clarinet students, Debussy was ultimately delighted with the outcome. In a letter to his publisher, Jacques Durand, he shared his satisfaction: “The clarinet competitions went extremely well, and, to judge by the expressions on the faces of my colleagues, the Rhapsodie was a success.” His enthusiasm for the piece led him to orchestrate it in the summer of 1911. After hearing the orchestrated version performed, he described it as “surely one of the most pleasing pieces I have ever written.”
Legacy
Over the past century, the Première Rhapsodie has become a cornerstone of the clarinet repertoire, celebrated for its lyrical beauty and unique charm. Debussy transformed a routine commission into a timeless miniature masterpiece, distinguished by its elegance and emotional depth. However, the orchestrated version, while equally opulent, remains lesser-known among performers and audiences, leaving room for further appreciation of this remarkable work.
