L'ilse Joyeuse question

[Nightscape]

I have read that the piece was intended by Debussy to be grouped with two other pieces: the Masques and the Dun cahier esquessies(sp?).  He apparently intended it two be a sort of second "suite bergamasque", but because of publishing issues had to publish the pieces with separate companies, and couldn't group them together.  My question is that if you were to perform the three pieces as a set, would it be appropriate to place them on a progam under a common heading( like Suite or something) and list the three pieces as three separate movements?  

[Max]

I would bracket all the pieces together and note they were originally composed to be performed as a suite, but dont make up a name or anything (incase you misinform someone).

[bernhard]

I have read that the piece was intended by Debussy to be grouped with two other pieces: the Masques and the Dun cahier esquessies(sp?).  He apparently intended it two be a sort of second "suite bergamasque", but because of publishing issues had to publish the pieces with separate companies, and couldn't group them together.  My question is that if you were to perform the three pieces as a set, would it be appropriate to place them on a progam under a common heading( like Suite or something) and list the three pieces as three separate movements?  

That is interesting. Can you give more details?

Here is what I know:

D’un cahier d’esquises (“From a sketch book”) was published in 1903, and was not really intended as piece, but rather as a study for a piece (hence the title “sketch”) where Debussy felt free to experiment. When Debussy wrote it, he was still under the spell of “La Mer” (“The Sea”) and many of its ideas and themes find its way on the sketch.

D’un Cahier was premiered in 1910 by none other than Ravel himself.

[After D’un Cahier, Debussy published (1903) Estampes]

Masques (“Masks”) was published in 1904, but it is generally accepted that it was composed much earlier (around 1890), and I read that it was originally intended as part of the Suite Bergamasque.

Finally, L’isle Joyeuese (“The Joyful Island”)was completed in August 1904, published in 1904, and premiered in1905. It is considered one of the most “orchestral” of Debussy’s piano pieces – the equivalent of a impressionist “Liszt”.

Given the disparity of dates and compositional styles (L’isle is actually in sonata form), I would find it very interesting if Debussy actually intended these three pieces to be a part of a set. (Which is not to say that he didn’t).

I agree with Max. If you decide to play them as a cycle (a perfectly valid choice) I would suggest that you explain your decision in your program notes, rather than give them an overall title (like "suite”) which was not originally there.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[maxy]

L'Ilse Joyeuse is so pretty by itself!  Why put it in a set....?