Debussy composed Children’s Corner between 1906 and 1908. He dedicated the suite to his daughter, Claude-Emma (known as “Chou-Chou”), who was born on 30 October 1905 in Paris. She is described as a lively and friendly child who was adored by her father. She was three years old when he dedicated the suite to her in 1908. The dedication reads: “A ma chère petite Chouchou, avec les tendres excuses de son Père pour ce qui va suivre. C. D.” (To my dear little Chouchou, with tender apologies from her father for what follows).
The suite was published by Durand in 1908, and was given its world première in Paris by Harold Bauer on 18 December that year. In 1911, an orchestration of the work by Debussy’s friend André Caplet received its premiere, and was subsequently published.
The suite is in six movements, each with an English-language title. This choice of language is most likely Debussy’s nod towards Chou-Chou’s English governess. The pieces are:
Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
Jimbo’s Lullaby
Serenade for the Doll
The Snow Is Dancing
The Little Shepherd
Golliwogg’s Cakewalk
Children's Corner
L. 113
Composed in 1908
By Claude Debussy
Arranged by André Caplet
