La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin by Claude Debussy, arr. Jacob Kight

Originally published in 1910,

(which roughly translates to “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair”) was the eighth work of Claude Debussy’s first volume of preludes. Inspired by Leconte de Lisle’s poem of the same name, this well-known piano work is one of Debussy’s most recorded compositions.

The work is a great example of Debussy’s expertise in the impressionistic style. Historically, the image of a girl with flaxen hair has often been utilized as symbol of innocence and naivety. Debussy produced an aural image of this innocence through the use of simple melodic ideas, uncomplicated rhythms, and lush harmonies.

This arrangement utilizes three instruments—a solo vibraphone and two marimbas. This combination reflects the simplicity of the work but allows for a rich soundscape to reproduce Debussy’s aural depiction of the poem.