Golliwog’s Cakewalk

Behind the music:

Golliwog’s Cakewalk” is the final piece in Claude Debussy’s “Children’s Corner,” a piano suite written in 1908. This lively and playful composition reflects the ragtime influences popular in Paris at the time. Debussy introduces unconventional harmonies and rhythms, mimicking the style of American cakewalk music. The title refers to a doll character from children’s books of that era, though it carries racial connotations today. The piece challenges pianists with its syncopated rhythms and dynamic contrasts, showcasing Debussy’s innovative approach to composition.