Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp
by Claude Debussy
Composed in 1915 as the second of a projected set of six sonatas for various instruments, of which only three were completed before Debussy's death in 1918, the Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp is one of the most exquisite chamber works of the 20th century and a cornerstone of the literature for all three instruments. Its unusual ensemble — the three instruments blending in a uniquely iridescent, shimmering texture — was unprecedented in the chamber repertoire, and Debussy exploits this sound world with consummate mastery through three movements: a freely rhapsodic Pastorale, a Interlude of dreamlike delicacy, and a Finale that recovers the mobile, mercurial spirit of the opening. The work stands alongside Debussy's String Quartet and the late Violin Sonata as one of his supreme achievements in chamber music.
Editions
Durand
Claude Debussy, 1916
Original composer-authorised edition; the primary source text containing Debussy's own indications and the basis for all subsequent editions.
Durand
Editorial staff, 1970
Revised edition with corrected engraving and updated performance notes; the standard performing text for professional ensembles.
Henle Verlag
Ernst-Günter Heinemann, 2016
New critical Urtext edition based on autograph manuscripts and the first edition; incorporates all known corrections and is now the preferred scholarly text.