Arabesque No. 1
Debussy’s friendliest piece – flowing, bright and considerably more approachable than Clair de Lune.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Claude Debussy
- Year
- 1891
- Origin
- Deux Arabesques
- Key
- E major
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
The hands play against each other: three notes against two. Once understood, it carries itself.
The real hurdle
The polyrhythm. Counting does not help – only automating each hand separately does.
How long does it take?
Two to three months.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
Needs a fine pedal and good touch – 88 keys.
Instruments that suit it
Casio CDP-S360 EU approx. €450–500Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Yamaha CLP-825 EU approx. €1,350–1,650Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Arabesque No. 1?
The hands play against each other: three notes against two. Once understood, it carries itself.
What key is Arabesque No. 1 in?
Arabesque No. 1 is in E major.
How many keys do you need for Arabesque No. 1?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Arabesque No. 1?
Claude Debussy, 1891.
Can you download the sheet music for Arabesque No. 1 for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn Arabesque No. 1?
Two to three months.
If this suits you
Clair de Lune Claude DebussyDebussy’s moonlight – sounds floating and light, yet is the most demanding piece on this list.
Gymnopédie No. 1 Erik SatieSatie’s study in slowness – technically one of the easiest concert pieces, musically anything but.