kids encyclopedia robot

Children's Corner facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Claude Debussy ca 1908, foto av Félix Nadar
Debussy in 1908

Children's Corner (L. 113) is a set of six piano pieces written by the famous French composer Claude Debussy. He published this music in 1908. The pieces were first played in Paris on December 18 of that year by Harold Bauer. Later, in 1911, Debussy's friend André Caplet arranged the music for an orchestra. Playing all six pieces usually takes about 15 minutes.

Why Debussy Wrote It

This special music was written for Debussy's daughter, Claude-Emma. She was often called "Chou-Chou" by her family. She was only three years old when her father wrote these pieces for her.

The music is not meant for children to play themselves. Instead, Debussy wanted the pieces to make people think about childhood. They also bring to mind some of the toys Chou-Chou had in her own toy collection. Claude-Emma was born in Paris in 1905. She was known as a very lively and friendly child. Her father loved her very much.

The Six Pieces

The Children's Corner suite has six different pieces. Each piece has a title in English. Debussy probably chose English titles because Chou-Chou had an English governess (a teacher who lived with the family).

Here are the names of the six pieces:

  • Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
  • Jimbo's Lullaby
  • Serenade for the Doll
  • The Snow is Dancing
  • The Little Shepherd
  • Golliwogg's Cakewalk

See also

Images for kids

kids search engine
Children's Corner Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.