Rhapsodie

Claude Debussy's 'Rhapsodie for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra' was commissioned in 1903 by Elisa Hall, President of the Boston Orchestral Club. Debussy, who cared little for the instrument would not fulfill the commission for several years. When he did submit his score, it was incomplete and not orchestrated It was completedafter the composer's death by Jean Roger-Ducasse.

The 'Rhapsody' is in a single movement beginning with a short introduction in the orchestra followed by a cadenza for the soloist. The cadenza contains the elements for one of the two principal modal melodies of the piece.

Dutch arranger Marcel Baars transcribed the 'Rhapsodie' for Alto Saxophone with accompaniment of a Symphonic Band.