Arabesque

Romantic works

Definition

A decorative, flowing piece characterized by ornamental melodic lines, often with delicate filigree figuration. The title evokes the ornamental patterns of Arabic art and architecture.

Historical Context

Schumann wrote two Arabesques for piano, and Debussy's two Arabesques (L. 66) are among the most frequently performed early French Impressionist works. The term suggests sensuous decoration rather than structural argument.

Works (4)

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