Claude Debussy

Rhapsodie

Claude Debussy's 'Rhapsodie for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra' was commissioned in 1903 by Elisa Hall, President of the Boston Orchestral Club. Debussy, who cared little for the instrument and knew almost nothing of its technical capabilities, would not fulfill the commission for the 'Rhapsodie' for several years; indeed, when he did submit his score, it was incomplete and not orchestrated. Jean Roger-Ducasse undertook the task of completing the work after the composer's death, in a manner which showed how well he understood Debussy's musical language.. The 'Rhapsody' is in a single movement beginning with a short introduction in the orchestra followed by a cadenza for the soloist. The cadenza contains the elements for one of the two principal modal melodies of the piece, and recalls moments in 'La mer', especially the gradual buildup to the themes. Dutch arranger Marcel Baars transcribed the 'Rhaposdie for Alto Saxophone with accompaniment of a Symphonic Band.'