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Late Romantic and Impressionist · character piece

The Little Shepherd, Children's Corner No. 5

Claude Debussy · Level 5, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

Debussy left a performance of this piece on a piano roll. The Little Shepherd, Children's Corner No. 5 is a character piece by Claude Debussy from the Late Romantic and Impressionist era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 5, an estimate.

On this page
  • character piece
  • Late Romantic and Impressionist
  • dreamy
  • gentle
  • block chords
  • ornaments
  • voicing

Also known as CD 119 No. 5; Children's Corner - The Little Shepherd; Debussy, Children's Corner No. 5, The Little Shepherd; FL 119 No. 5; L. 113 No. 5 (older Lesure numbering); The Little Shepherd: Children's Corner No. 5.

History

The Little Shepherd is among the six Children's Corner pieces Debussy recorded for Welte-Mignon roll WM 2733. The surviving mechanical performance links this piece directly to its composer at the keyboard.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A voice alone

    The high line begins on G-sharp with the lower staff silent. Listen to the changing note lengths as a freely shaped solo phrase.

  2. A quieter continuation

    The line returns to G-sharp, then descends through F-sharp and E toward D. Keep the phrase connected rather than equally stressing each note.

  3. Small decorative turns

    The sustained D is decorated by short neighbouring notes. Hear those ornaments as part of the phrase, not as separate heavy accents.

  4. A lingering end to the phrase

    The line settles on a long D after another small flourish. The lower staff is still silent; allow the solo line to carry the expression.

How to practise it

Keep the exposed upper line connected through ties and small gestures.

  1. Preserve the tied opening sound.
  2. Keep small note groups inside the phrase.
  3. Do not assume upper rests or lack of accompaniment mean the phrase has ended.

How hard is it

Level 5, estimated

The inspected exposed opening, later quicker figures and held layers demand phrase continuity and sound control. Its modest length does not remove the need to balance changing textures.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Claude Debussy, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
French piano colors
Licence
CC0
Source
musescore.com

More by Claude Debussy

  1. Clair de lune, Suite bergamasque, L. 75Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. La cathédrale engloutie, Préludes I No. 10Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Keep the exposed upper line connected through ties and small gestures.

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