The Clair de Lune Book

Contents

1. Pedal Harp Solo
2. Lever Harp Solo
3. Pedal Harp Accompaniment to Instrumental Solo
4. Lever Harp Accompaniment to Instrumental Solo
5. Instrumental Part (Flute or Violin)

Notes from the arranger

Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” from his 1905 piano work Suite Bergamasque is one of the
most well-known “classical music” works by the general public. It is featured on many “easy
listening” compact discs and has been used as background music for spa treatments,
movies, and television commercials.

Debussy’s original Clair de Lune was written in the key of D-flat. Because this key is not
friendly for lever harpers and is less attractive to instrumentalists of intermediate ability, I
have decided to arrange this work in the key of D major only.

I have endeavored to keep the harmonic integrity and overall “feel” of the original piano
work. However, so that these arrangements are easy to read on the page and will fit
comfortably under the hands, several difficult passages have been simplified. Many tied
notes were eliminated, since the harp would continue to “ring through” the previous note;
elimination of some ties gives a “cleaner” appearance on the printed page.

Rests appearing in the music are solely for the purpose of rhythm, hand separation, and
phrasing. It is not intended for the harpist to damp strings when rests occur. Should
specific damping be required, the performer should use tasteful damping when needed.

Pedal and lever changes are indicated between the staves; lever changes are indicated by
both diamond-shaped note heads and the octave number of the strings. The performer
should use their discretion, as pedaling and levering are highly personal matters.
Dynamic markings, fingerings, metronome markings, 8va indications, instructions, and
flute breath marks are provided