Claude Debussy - Les soirs illumines par l’ardeur du charbon (Bavouzet) (1917)

For many years Debussy’s Études and Élégie were considered his last word for the piano. In November 2001, however, “Les soirs illuminés par l’ardeur du charbon“ surfaced, revealing an extraordinary story. During the extremely harsh wartime winter of 1916-17 Debussy’s musical coal merchant managed to divert scarce supplies of fuel to the Debussy household. As thanks (and doubtless payment) he received the beautifully written manuscript of this piece, probably composed in February or March 1917.