Footsteps in the Snow
‘Des pas sur la neige’ – Préludes Book I’
by Claude Debussy – arranged for wind orchestra by Robert Lennon
This is one of Debussy’s most restrained and atmospheric preludes — built almost entirely from a single repeated rhythmic footstep figure, sparse in texture and harmonically ambiguous throughout. Debussy himself marked the score “in the sad and icy character of this landscape.” It’s less a display piece than a study in restraint and colour — and it has real depth for those willing to sit with it.
This arrangement for wind orchestra was made with that character in mind. The aim throughout has been to preserve the ambiguity and stillness of the original – for ensembles that don’t often get the chance to work at this end of the dynamic and expressive range.
This piece will appeal to directors looking to move beyond concert-openers and crowd-pleasers — particularly at conservatoire or university level, where students benefit from repertoire that demands control, listening, and patience rather than technical fireworks. It’s a short piece, but not an easy one in the ways that matter: balance, intonation at low dynamics, and control.
This prelude works on audiences differently — it asks for close, quiet attention, and gives a real sense of stillness and atmosphere in return. Placed against bigger, louder repertoire, it’s the kind of piece that gives a concert some light and shade — and it’s often the moment audiences remark on afterwards, precisely because it’s unlike anything else in the programme.
Listen & follow the score on YouTube
“Beautifully icy.” (YouTube viewer).
Performance Details
Duration: 3.5 Minutes approx.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instrumentation
Flutes 1 & 2
Oboes 1 & 2
Clarinets 1 & 2
Bass Clarinet in B♭
Alto Saxophones 1 & 2
Tenor Saxophones 1 & 2
Bassoons 1 & 2
4 Horns in F
3 Trumpets in B♭
2 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Vibraphone
Suspended Cymbal
Double Bass
Icy, intimate, haunting — a masterclass in restraint and atmosphere. Bring this wintry soundscape to life in your next concert!
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 $45
(Downloadable PDF format – 1 full score, A3 size plus set of 29 parts, A4)
Part of French Impressions — three Debussy preludes for wind orchestra. All three, scores and complete parts, $85.
If you’re considering this for a programme and want to talk it through, get in touch — happy to discuss.