Debussy wrote his two arabesques in his twenties, between 1888 and 1891. It shows the beginnings of his impressionistic style, with smooth, flowing lines and shifting harmonies that create a gentle, atmospheric mood. The music moves freely between keys, reflecting Debussy’s idea of the arabesque as a natural, curved line inspired by patterns found in nature and Art Nouveau design. The first arabesque, marked Andantino con moto, is in E major and opens with softly moving parallel chords. It develops into flowing arpeggios and a light, pentatonic melody, giving it a calm, shimmering character. A quieter middle section shifts to A major and briefly explores other tonal colors before returning. The piece ends by restating its opening ideas in a higher, more delicate register, resolving back to E major.