This work was first performed in Paris in 1904 with Mme Wurmser-Delcourt as soloist playing on a chromatic harp developed by Pleyel, Wolff & Co. This new harp design incorporated certain facets of piano design, enabling the performer to play in all major and minor keys without the use of pedals. A tuition course in this instrument was being set up at the Brussels Conservatoire, and Pleyel, Wolff & Co., in association with the Conservatoire, commissioned the Danses as a test piece for it.

The Danse sacrée is based on a piano piece by Debussy’s friend, the Portuguese composer Francisco de Lacerda. It opens with a short theme on the strings, which is followed by a majestic chordal theme on the harp. After some development, with marvellous harmonic effects, a brief reappearance of the chordal theme leads into the Danse profane, a brilliant waltz movement with plenty of rhythmic tension and luscious scoring. Ancient musical modes are employed in both of the dances.
  

Programme notes John McLeod