Arabesque #1 - Debussy

The Arabesque in architecture is an elaborate design of repeating geometric forms, often based on plant and animal shapes. These design elements were the foundation of the Art Nouveau movement, from 1880-1914.

The Arabesque #1 by Debussy, written in 1888, was very much influenced by the idea that thought could be expressed by the line and the arabesque. It is interesting to note that this piece is built entirely on small decorative, repeating motifs which often build into long sweeping lines. This is an early piece, Debussy later took the abstraction of short motifs much further.