Isle of Joy [Woodwind Quintet]

　"L'Isle joyeuse" is one of Debussy's representative piano pieces, composed during the same period as his representative orchestral work, "La Mer." It is written in A major, using the Lydian mode, one of the ecclesiastical modes. This piece was also composed during the period when "Suite bergamasque" was being written, and it was originally intended to be one of the movements of "Suite bergamasque," but due to publishing circumstances, it was released as a standalone piece.
　Debussy was interested in art from a young age, and he displayed works by artist friends in his home. This piece was influenced by Jean-Antoine Watteau's painting "Pilgrimage to Cythera." Cythera was considered the birthplace of Venus, the goddess of love, and thus became a sacred place for the goddess and for love. Around 1904, Debussy was in the midst of an affair and traveled to Jersey Island in the summer. There is an overlap with "Pilgrimage to Cythera."
　An orchestral version by Italian conductor Bernardino Molinari also exists. The opening flute solo is impressive. It was arranged based on Debussy's own instructions, reflecting the composer's intentions.
　Like the original piano version, this woodwind quintet arrangement demands a high level of performance skill from each player. (Yuto Yamada)

※Scores for both A-flat and B-flat Clarinets are included.