Images for Orchestra - Full Score

Imagery was such a vital component of Debussy's approach that he titled several of his works "Images," including this magnificent orchestral triptych. Written over a period extending from 1905 to 1912, these loosely related movements express the national characters of England, Spain, and France. The biggest, Iberia, is itself a triptych---a medley of Spanish allusions, scored with castanets, flashing tambourines, and bells. It is accompanied by Gigues, a moody tribute to England, and Rondes de printemps, a lively celebration of spring in the French countryside.