The first section of the Prelude subdivides into three sections discussed below.

---

Measures 1 to 21, first section

The section is based on the whole tone scale using motives m1, m2, and m3 :

The main theme of the prelude uses m3:

Measures 1 to 21:

C. Coleman, piano. Courtesy of Piano Society.

Measures 22 to 32, second section

Motive m2 is now using long notes. Debussy presents two new motives m4 and m5:

Measures 22 to 32:

C. Coleman, piano. Courtesy of Piano Society.

Measures 33 to 41, third section

• Varied recapitulation of measures 1 to 21.
• Motive m3 reappears as well as the ever-present m2.
• A third motive is the result of the development of m4 from the last measures of the previous section.
• Measures 38 to 41 are a transition to part B.

C. Coleman, piano. Courtesy of Piano Society.

Section B is six measures long (42 to 47). It's a contrasting section because of the pentatonic scale and a faster tempo.

Measures 42 to 47:

C. Coleman, piano. Courtesy of Piano Society.

The Prelude ends with a recapitulation of section A using motives m1 (measure 58), m2, m3, and a new element: an ascending whole tone scale. Debussy says it should be like a very light glissando.

Measures 48 to the end

C. Coleman, piano. Courtesy of Piano Society.

Prelude II ... Voiles

C. Coleman, piano. Courtesy of Piano Society.