Claude Debussy’s Two Arabesques is a pair of arabesques composed for piano by Claude Debussy when he was still in his twenties, between the years 1888 and 1891.

Tony Baker created this arrangement for his solo recital at the 2019 International Trombone Festival at Ball State University, accompanied by pianist Michael Schneider, and the arrangement works on many levels. The first movement is a beautiful legato feature weaving the melodic line between the piano and trombone parts seamlessly. The second movement requires precise control through many quick 16th note triplet turns. This arrangement requires some work on the soloist’s part to bring out the deft touch Debussy wants in these movements, but it is well worth the effort.

Length: 7-8 minutes

Range: Highest note is an E5, plus a couple D#5’s and several D5’s. Lowest note is an E2.