Syrinx (Debussy)

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Syrinx is a piece of music for solo flute which Claude Debussy wrote in 1913 (L 129). It is commonly considered to be an indispensable part of any flautist's repertoire. Many musical historians believe that "Syrinx", which gives the performer generous room for interpretation and emotion, played a pivotal role in the development of solo flute music in the early twentieth century. "Syrinx" was originally written by Debussy without barlines or breath marks. The flautist Marcel Moyse later added these, and most publishers publish Moyse's edition.

"Syrinx" was written as incidental music to the uncompleted play Psyché by Gabriel Mourey. It was intended to be performed offstage during the play, and was originally called "Flûte de Pan". Since one of Debussy's Chansons de Bilitis had already been given that title, however, it was given its final name in reference to the myth of the amorous pursuit of the nymph Syrinx by the god Pan.

The piece is dedicated to the flautist Louis Fleury.

Syrinx