Claude Debussy

3 Chansons

Completed in 1908, this choral work by Claude Debussy lends itself effortlessly to an arrangement for euphonium and tuba quartet due to its vocal character. Composed in a quasi-motet style and originally set to medieval poetry, the work explores a variety of moods across its three movements. 1) "Dieu! Qu’il la fait bon regarder" (God, how lovely she is to behold) is a tender love song. 2) "Quant j’ai ouy le tabourin" (When I hear the tambourine) unfolds a beautiful melody over a rhythmic accompaniment. And finally, 3) "Yver, vous n’estes qu’un villain" (Winter, You Scoundrel) is a lively, incisive piece that rebukes winter for its harshness.