Creative
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Children’s Corner (1908)

These were a suite of six pieces Debussy composed and dedicated to his young daughter, Claude-Emma (also known as "Chouchou"). She was also a talented pianist and reportedly could play this suite by age nine. (I was eleven when I learned it.)

1) Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
2) Jimbo's Lullaby
3) Serenade for the Doll
4) The Snow Is Dancing
5) The Little Shepherd
6) Golliwogg's Cakewalk

(Per YouTube the pianist here is Debussy himself, recorded in 1913.)
[media=https://youtu.be/W9YrFVwwuus]

(Debussy and Chouchou)
Chouchou was said to be a talented singer as well, like her mother, Parisian chanteuse Emma Bardoc. Debussy once told a friend that the birth of his only child was the "greatest gift" of his life and they remained close. Chouchou lost her beloved father to cancer in 1918, and sadly, was taken herself at the young age of 15 by a diphtheria pandemic the following year.
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
DrWatson · 70-79, M
Debussy is wonderful.

But I sure am glad that I don't have to dress like that for a picnic these days!
@DrWatson Yes, I can’t tell if they’re sitting on grass or on a printed blanket.
DrWatson · 70-79, M
@bijouxbroussard It looks like grass to me. Either way, he looks as if he would rather be sitting on a piano bench!