Fêtes

Fêtes

(from Trois Nocturnes)

by Claude Debussy – arranged for wind orchestra by Robert Lennon

A new arrangement of Claude Debussy’s Fêtes — the second movement of Nocturnes, 1899 — originally for orchestra, here re-imagined for wind orchestra.

Performance Details
Duration: 6 minutes 24 seconds approx.
Difficulty: Difficult

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flutes 1, 2 & 3
Oboes 1 & 2
Cor Anglais¹
Clarinet in E♭
Clarinets 1, 2 & 3 in B♭/A²
Bass Clarinet in B♭
Alto Saxophones 1 & 2
Tenor Saxophones 1 & 2
Baritone Saxophone
Bassoons 1 & 2
4 Horns in F
3 Trumpets in B♭
2 Trombones
Bass Trombone
2 Euphoniums
2 Tubas
Harp³
Timpani
Snare Drum
Clashed Cymbals
Suspended Cymbal
Double Bass
Notes: ¹ Cues are provided in case unavailable. ² Parts for B♭ clarinets throughout are included. ³ Cues are provided in case unavailable or can be substituted by keyboard.

Listen and follow the score on YouTube;

Dazzling colours, shifting lights, dancing rhythms

Fêtes is one of Debussy’s most celebrated impressionist works, here adapted to harness the colours and sonorities of the modern wind ensemble. It depicts a dazzling celebration with shifting lights, dancing rhythms, and in its central section, the remarkable evocation of an approaching torchlit procession.

This arrangement preserves Debussy’s luminous textures while exploring the expressive possibilities of the wind orchestra. Ideal repertoire for more advanced ensembles: university, conservatory, and professional bands.

• Although the arrangement calls for cor anglais and harp, cues for other instruments to play in their absence are provided.
• Alternative clarinet parts, in B flat throughout, are provided in addition to those for clarinet pairs (B flat & A).

Want to look at the score first?

A full perusal score is available free, with no obligation — everything you need to decide whether this belongs in your programme.

---

Full score & set of parts $65

(Downloadable PDF format – 1 full score, A3 size plus set of 24 parts, A4)

Purchase orders from schools and colleges accepted

If you’re considering this for a programme and want to talk it through, get in touch — happy to discuss.