Composed in 1891, Debussy's early work "Marche ecossaise sur un theme populaire" is said to be his first commissioned piece. The request came from General Meredith Reid, a descendant of the ancient Scottish Ross earl family, which is why the 1891 score was entitled "Marche des anciens comtes de Ross." Originally a piano duet for four hands, Debussy had considered orchestrating the piece early on, and the orchestral version was completed in 1908.

The piece is in ABA form (fast-slow-fast) and is characteristic of Debussy's early piano works, with clear and approachable melodies, harmonies, and structure. This arrangement for small wind ensemble was commissioned by Fujimi Junior High School in Tsurugashima City, Saitama (Hiroshi Naito, Director) for the 2013 wind band competition. It references both the piano and orchestral versions to capture Debussy's unique sense of color through wind instruments.

(Makoto Onodera)