Quietly, gently, expressively. The term 'Heath' generally refers to a moorland found in northern Europe, such as in Britain or Germany, or to the small shrubs of the Erica genus (heather), belonging to the Ericaceae family, that grow there. However, the precise origin of the title remains unknown. The entire piece is structured around six distinct motifs [4]. The simple Motif A (measures 1-5), commencing with a monophonic melody in the right hand, develops into Motif B (measures 6-7), where tension escalates through contrary motion in both hands. This is followed by Motif C (measures 8-14, beat 2), which features two repetitions of a movement ascending to a pitch peak and subsequently descending, and then Motif D (measures 14, beat 3 - 22), characterized by an undulating melody in the right hand. Motif E (measures 23-28) progresses quietly and sequentially under the musical indication 'doux et léger' (softly, lightly), leading to Motif F (measures 29-32), which is more vibrant and joyful in B-flat major. From measure 33 onwards, the previously presented motifs reappear in reverse order. Motif E is used in measures 33-37, Motif D in measures 38-44 (beat 2), and in measures 44 (beat 3) - 51, Motif A is employed, recalling the opening of the piece and bringing it to a quiet conclusion. Therefore, the entire piece is constructed with a symmetrical structure, centered around Motif F in measures 29-32 (see diagram).

Diagram

[1] This diagram is based on the following literature by Bourion (Bourion, Sylveline. 2011. Le style de Claude Debussy : duplication, répétition et dualité dans les stratégies de composition, Paris: Vrin, p. 436).