Suite bergamasque how much was written in 1905, it is clear that Debussy changed the names of at least two of the pieces. Passepied had first been composed under the name "Pavane", while Clair de lune was originally titled "Promenade sentimentale". These names also come from Paul Verlaine's poems. The final title of "Suite bergamasque" comes from Verlaine's poem "Clair de lune", which refers to bergamasks in its opening stanza: The "Suite bergamasque" consists of four movements: The first piece in the suite is entitled "Prélude", in the key of F and marked "tempo rubato". It is full of dynamic contrasts with
Clair de Lune (poem) opportune Ils n'ont pas l'air de croire à leur bonheur Et leur chanson se mêle au clair de lune, Au calme clair de lune triste et beau, Qui fait rêver les oiseaux dans les arbres Et sangloter d'extase les jets d'eau, Les grands jets d'eau sveltes parmi les marbres. Your soul is a well-chosen landscape Where roam charming masks and bergamasques Playing the lute and dancing and seeming almost Sad under their whimsical disguises. While singing in a minor key Of victorious love and good life They don't seem to believe in their own happiness And their song mingles with