Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 12/05/2011, uploaded on 12/24/2011

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

The cakewalk, or “prize walk” as it is sometimes known, originated out of the traditions of the plantation slaves in the southern United States. It is believed in its original incarnation, the slaves performed the cakewalk as a sort of mockery of their owners. Its inclusion, however, in the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia set the dance on a path to capture the fascination of America and Europe alike. At this performance, a giant cake was awarded to the winning couple, thereby forever solidifying its name. Soon vaudeville artists, such as Bert Williams and George Walker, took up the dance and helped further spread its appeal. In time, the cakewalk reached Europe where it became particularly fashionable in the resorts along the southern English coast. Given Claude Debussy’s fascination with English culture and his inclination to incorporate popular influences in his music, it is no surprise that he became intrigued with the ragtime dance.

Debussy had already penned his popular Golliwog’s Cakewalk as the final movement of his Children’s Corner suite when he composed Le petit nègre in 1909. Unlike the previous piece, Le petit nègre was not brought forth out of the composer’s own initiative but instead commissioned by Theodore Lacke to be included in his Methode de piano, a work designed to give young pianists a collection of pieces designed towards the development of technique, yet engaging for both performer and audience. It is also much easier to play than its companion piece. Indeed, Le petit nègre is one of the easiest and most amiable of Debussy’s compositions for young pianists. With its classic ragtime rhythm and jaunty melodic lines, it has remained a popular piece in piano methods to the present day.      Joseph DuBose

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Debussy wrote this short piece in 1909 for a piano method edited by Théodore Lack. It is a cakewalk and follows on from the success of the 'Golliwog's Cakewalk' from the Children's Corner Suite. It remains very popular with piano students. I first became aware of it when played by a young girl at a music festival showcase. I was recently given a copy so thought I would have a go at it. There are several changes of mood so it offers considerable interpretative scope.    Phillip Sear