Claude Debussy

The Engulfed Cathedral

In this transcription of Debussy's THE ENGULFED CATHEDRAL, I have tried to create a work that will display the tonal beauty as well as the power and grandeur of the modern symphonic band. Unusual instrumental combinations have been used throughout, and great care has been given to subtle shadings of color and texture. THE ENGULFED CATHEDRAL '(La Cathédrale engloutie)' is No. 10 Book I of Claude Debussy's PRÉLUDES; it is one of his best known and most popular works, not only in its original version for solo piano, but also in its numerous transcriptions, the most notable of which is the orchestral setting by Leopold Stokowski. THE ENGULFED CATHEDRAL depicts an old legend from Brittany: To punish the people for their sins, the 'Cathedral of Ys 'is engulfed by the sea. Each sunrise the townspeople watch as the sunken cathedral rises from the water and then sinks slowly into the ocean.