On suite ideas
30 en-suite ideas for the perfect bathroom retreat
If your bathroom is filled with children's bath toys and is more practical than pretty, then turn your attention to an en-suite, which can provide the perfect haven for you to relax, rejuvenate and refresh. En-suite ideas can help you to create a luxurious sanctuary, filled with lovely small bathroom ideas away from the stresses of everyday life.
'The pandemic made us carefully examine how we use our home and what makes us feel both good, but relaxed as well,' says Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs . 'Bathrooms are one of the rooms we turn to, to switch off and take care of ourselves both mentally and physically. As an en-suite is generally only used by adults, it is a space where you can be playful and more adventurous. It also won’t have the same wear and tear that a family bathroom would have, so it makes sense to be the place where you invest in high-end fixtures and fittings, such as a beautiful curved copper bath. '
En-suite ideas
However, it's worth taking the time to ensure you're planning an en-suite for the right reasons. 'While it is possible to convert most spaces into an en-suite, including smaller bedrooms and using part of an existing bedroom, it can sometimes be detrimental, especially if the space is too small or it would devalue your home in other ways,' says Barrie. 'While an extra bathroom is nice, it doesn’t want to be at the expense of making the bedroom too small.
'The way to make it work is to look at the existing layout and if the addition of an extra bathroom doesn’t compromise the layout, then it will most likely work. Adding an en-suite can increase the marketability and if it is done well and to a high standard, it will also increase the value. This might be through quality tiles, brassware and sanitaryware. If you are lucky enough to have the space for a bath, then this can also increase the value.'
1. Find a place for plants
(Image credit: Future PLC )
En suites aren't always the largest of rooms, so why not make the most of the height of your room with a shelf up high to display plants or vases? It frees up your vanity or storage cupboards, and means you can use it for objects you don't necessarily need to use every day, but that look attractive – plus, the humidity means your plants are bound to thrive.
2. Make the most of small nooks
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If your en suite is slotted into an extension or loft, or you've got a period home with lots of nooks and crannies, use those odd bits of space for storage shelves. Not only is this a smart budget small bathroom idea to make good use of the room, but it means you gain extra room to store piles of towels within easy reach, or storage baskets filled with toiletries or face cloths for guests.
3. Make it a shower room
(Image credit: Mark O'Flaherty)
Rather than trying to squeeze in a bath, why try some luxurious small bathroom shower ideas in your en suite, with a spacious cubicle that you won't have to climb in and out of? The beauty of this pink tiled design is the simplicity – with clean lines, no clutter and a black shower that keeps it from feeling overtly feminine.
If you're wondering which colours to go for, Polly Shearer bathroom design expert from Drench has these recommendations: ‘Top colours for 2023 include terracotta, peach and emerald green for a touch of nature.
’
4. Tie it in with your bedroom
(Image credit: Future PLC)
‘The word "en-suite” is derived from the French word for "afterwards" or "following", therefore it usually only has access through a bedroom,' says Polly Shearer at Drench. 'They’re more private than standard family bathrooms and commonly have a shower instead of a bath due to being smaller.’
Tie the two spaces together through your decor to make them feel like one, even if they are separated by a door. Here, the wall and door outside the en suite are in the same grey as the skirting inside, so that when the door is open it feels as though the two rooms have some fluidity. You could also match your towels to your bedding to carry that same colourway through.
'A master suite is generally a very personal space, your innermost sanctuary and one that needs to work in harmony for you,' says Barrie Cutchie at BC Designs. 'Rather than jar against the rest of the space, an en-suite works well when there is a sense of flow from your bedroom into the bathroom.
It might be that the floor runs through the whole space, or that you use one or two colours across both the spaces.'
5. Don't forget lighting
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Whether your en suite is light and bright, or a darker room, good lighting is still key if you're going to be using it on darker days or evenings. As well as overhead lighting, it's a good idea to make sure your mirror is near to a window (if possible) where there's the most natural light, and also install some wall lights next to it that you can switch on when you need them most.
6. Be smart with storage
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Having an uncluttered en suite is all well and good but if you have no space to put toiletries by your bath or shower, then it may not be as practical as you'd like. Whether you opt for built-in shelves or an alcove, keep it tidy with just a few choice bath oils and shower gels.
Here, an under-shelf rail keeps towels close to the bath, while a wall hook on the wall panelling makes it easy to grab a body brush when needed.
7. Warm it up with wood
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Bathrooms can often feel quite cold when it comes to decor, being that there's lots of hard, shiny surfaces, metallic fittings and tiled floors or walls. To counteract that, inject some wood elements into your scheme, such as a vanity, bath panel or toilet lid.
Keeping the wood natural rather than painted offers warmth and you can decide between something rich and rustic like this, or a lighter, more Scandic-style design, depending on your taste.
8. Factor in a gallery wall
(Image credit: Paul Craig)
En-suites can be just as interesting as other rooms in your home if you work in some decorative pieces, whether that's a bold wall colour, striking wallpaper, patterned tiles or even a gallery wall like this.
While three small alcoves provide the perfect spot for toiletries next to the bath, above it, a selection of prints and paintings, all in different frames, create interest, and the circular mirror breaks up the run of square and rectangular picture frames.
9. Invest in hooks
(Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole)
Hooks are worth their weight in gold when it comes to bathroom storage ideas in a small space like an en suite and are ideal for hanging towels, dressing gowns, body brushes and even a small bag of extra toiletries or loo rolls.
Get creative with the hooks you choose, whether you opt for an over-door design or something statement that you place on the wall, like these antler hooks. Just make sure that they're not in a spot where you're likely to catch yourself on them or knock towels off.
10. Paint the ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Painting your ceiling can change the look of your room and help make it feel much cosier, so it's worth considering in an en suite – especially if you want to keep your walls white or have tiles there already.
Make sure you opt for a paint specially formulated for bathrooms, which will be more durable and specially formulated to be mould, moisture and steam resistant.
11. Brighten with a skylight
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
En-suite bathroom ideas can often be lacking in natural light, making them look and feel even smaller than they actually are. If you're building or extending your home, include a skylight into your en-suite ideas planning.
Steer clear of error by being aware of en-suite planning mistakes to avoid. Position above the bath or shower to get the most out of this extra natural light.
12. Opt for broken plan
(Image credit: Gunter & Co/Mary Wadsworth)
Not one for wallflowers, but the broken plan look has made its way into en-suite ideas. Crittal-style sliding doors or partitions add a cool, industrial touch to the room. Plus, you'll save space without having to fit in room for traditional doors, while the glass panels provide ample natural light directly from the bedroom.
13. Double up storage to save space
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Space is at a premium with en-suites, so get creative with your storage.
Consider turn a spice rack into a loo roll holder. An Ikea spice rack, a couple of leather handles, cup hooks and a length of dowl create this ingenious loo roll holder.
Another ideas is to hang the spice rack upside down and use as a shelf and towel rail instead.
14. Trick the eye with an oval bath
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If you can fit it in, a bath with an oval or rounded end can create the illusion of space, making your small bathroom look bigger than it is. The more floor space you see, the larger the room will look – and that goes for other elements of your en suite, where wall-hung vanities and loos will have the same effect.
'An en-suite bathroom will most likely be one of the smallest rooms in your home,' says Richard Ticehurst, Brand Expert for Crosswater . 'It’s important to be mindful of space when arranging your layout, as you’ll need to be able to move comfortably in the room. To maximise space, opt for a wall-mounted toilet, basin, or vanity unit.
Wall-mounted fixtures free up floor space to make the room appear bigger, while creating a smart and modern look.'
15. Wall-mount the taps
(Image credit: Perrin & Rowe)
Wall-mounted mixer taps work well in compact bathroom designs as the pipework can be hidden without the need for a bulky basin pedestal. For a smart storage solution to keep the area neat and tidy, use that freed-up space to house some shelving and a laundry basket.
16. Use patterned tiles
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Your choice of tiles will play a vital part in the finished look of your en suite,’ says Amanda Telford, marketing manager at CTD Tiles . ‘But there are a few things to take into consideration when choosing bathroom tiles, from visual impact to practicality. Patterned designs are great for adding a real statement to a space, while large-format tiles can create a calming and spa-like ambience.’
17. Add the feeling of space with mirrors
(Image credit: Lundhs)
Go big, go bold and make a statement in your bathroom.
Hang a large mirror (or two or three) over the basin to bounce around the room and make the whole space feel larger. You'll be surprised how effective it is. No wonder it's the number one trick used by interior stylists to make a room feel larger!
18. Borrow space from a bedroom
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
If you have a big main bedroom then you could consider making part of it serve for your en-suite ideas.
You can section a corner of the room off with a stud wall to create an en-suite, or if you’re want to make a statement, add a glamorous freestanding bath in the bedroom, with basins, shower and loo behind closed doors.
19. Take it to the loft
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Considering a loft conversion? It’s a great place to add in an extra bathroom.
Take care where ceilings slope, though, and place showers carefully as head heights will vary depending on the kind of conversion you’re building.
20.
Choose cool country(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
When it comes to decorating, a good adjoining bathroom will always look like it belongs to the bedroom. You don't want to be too matchy-matchy, but the colour scheme and overall style should sit happily side by side. White bathroom ideas are popular for a reason - it never fails as a space enhancer.
If your en-suite bathroom ideas are of the timeless, hint-of-vintage variety, be sure to reflect that in the design of the room. Here wood panelling and built-in storage make the bath and basin feel right at home. If you prefer to inject an extra punch of colour, add some vibrant accessories, such as painted tiles or a patterned shower curtain.
21. Modernise with mosaics
(Image credit: Future PLC/Sussie Bell)
Choose vibrant mosaic tiles to inject personality around a modern white bathroom suite. Consider glossy units and sleek cabinets that will give your bathroom a contemporary, streamlined look and offset the busy tiles.
This is a great way of injecting colour and pattern in on a smaller scale, as sometimes large tiles can feel out of place in en-suite ideas
22. Mismatch styles
(Image credit: Future PLC /David Giles)
There's a lot to be said for choosing not to duplicate the style of your bathroom suite in a decorating scheme. Sit vintage-style sanitaryware at the centre of an ultra modern scheme and let the contrast of old and new highlight the intricacies of a vintage suite.
23. Panel the walls
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jason Ingram)
Panelled walls are a great way of adding interest and texture to even the smallest of bathrooms. Plus, it's a practical choice for boxing in pipework.
Use bathroom paint ideas to colour the panelled section of the walls in a tonal shade to the rest of the painted or tiled space for a cohesive look with added depth.
24. Introduce a nautical theme
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Having a theme is a great way to add personality to a room with a classic white bathroom suite.
A nautical feel is easy to implement thanks to the choice of accessories available.
Decide on an accent colour of sky or navy blue and then build up the accessories as you go. Think about boxing in or using panelling to enhance the visual impact of the bath.
25. Let the suite speak for itself
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Keep decorating schemes at their simplest if you have an unusually shaped or naturally attention-grabbing bathroom suite.
Choose easy blend neutrals for flooring and walls, a hint of chrome and glass and finish with towels, mats and windows treatments in show-stopping shades.
26. Add some glamour
(Image credit: Future PLC /David Giles)
Ever fallen in love with a hotel bathroom scheme? Why not try and re-create it with your own boudoir hotel-inspired scheme. Use textured tiles and reflective surfaces to build glamour and glitz around a plain modern bathroom suite.
Choose stylish white accessories and patterned neutral towels that will complement rather than outshine the shimmering tiles.
27. Create pattern with tiles
(Image credit: Future PLC /Colin Poole)
Patterned tiles don't actually have to be patterned. Clever use of laying patterns allows you to create your own pattern using block colour. Alternatively, alternate sizes of similarly shaped tiles. A contrast grouting will heighten the look even further.
28. Give signature pieces space
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Let a modern freestanding bath work its magic by giving it room to shine. Decorate in a soft, natural palette and choose clean-lined accessories that won't distract from the star of the show. If you can't resist adding in colour, make sure you opt for a tonal shade.
29. Colour up for contrast
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Build up a backdrop of colour on walls, floors and storage that foregrounds the white of your bathroom suite: metro tiles in a beautiful green; slate tiles in mid grey; smart chrome fittings; and wood-finish storage and shelving.
Reserve white for shutters, lighting and bath towels for a decorating scheme with a difference.
'With tile trends constantly changing within the home, we have seen a big increase for unusual textures and patterns designed to make bold feature walls and floors,' says Amanda Telford at CTD Tiles. 'There's also high demand for more colourful tiles in a deep blue colour palette, creating a look that is coordinated and inviting.'
30. Factor in soft furnishings
(Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole)
If you have a window in your en suite, or are lucky enough to have a roll-top bath, why not factor in a curtain and/or blind? It's a great way of working in pattern and colour and helping to give the room a softer, cosier vibe.
If it's a shower curtain you're after, you'll need to make sure it's waterproof, so either line some fabric or layer up with a plain shower curtain and a normal, patterned curtain on top.
How should I plan my en-suite?
'Start by deciding what colour scheme you want, which bathroom trends excite you, and what fixtures matter most to you,' says Richard Ticehurst, Crosswater's Brand Expert.
'Look to interior magazines, Instagram, and Pinterest if you’re in need of inspiration.
'Next, draw out a plan of your bathroom on graph paper, using metric measurements, and noting the location of windows and doors. Then, create to-scale cut-outs of every fixture and rearrange them on your page until you find a layout that works for you.'
What is the smallest space needed for an en-suite?
You'll forever be surprised at how much you can actually fit in a small bathroom. There's no strict minimum square footage, but you may need to reconsider what you wish to include.
That said, working in a small space doesn't have to mean forgoing a bath. 'People often try to fit large-footprint baths into small rooms,’ says Barrie Cutchie, at BC Designs . ‘Ideally, baths need at least 100mm round each of the edges to help clean and maintain them. However, if you want to install a bath in a smaller en-suite, this can still be achievable. There are several models out there that are just 1400mm long, which is smaller than a standard shower, and can be the perfect solution.
’
Leed Reed, Head of Design at Easy Bathrooms , adds: 'To be considered an en-suite, your bathroom needs to have a sink, WC and shower and in an ideal world, should be at least 17 square feet to make it comfortable to use. If you are having a bath, then you’ll need around five by six-and-a-half feet so it isn’t all squished in. To make sure it doesn’t feel cramped, allow 30 inches from the front of your toilet to any other products, with 40 inches in front of a bath or shower.'
What can I do with a small en-suite?
'If your space is limited and you desire practicality over a space for full relaxation, then choosing a shower over a bath is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to maximise space,' advises Fabrizio from Lusso Stone. 'Opting for a corner shower or even a walk-in shower unit can ensure that space is used to its full potential. However, to make sure you are not compromising, a large rainfall shower keeps that luxury feel.'
'Another key trick is removing those clunky old-fashioned cisterns and instead investing in a ‘Back to Wall’ toilet system.
They are stylish, minimalistic, and extremely convenient for smaller spaces. They not only look incredibly slick but give an illusion of there being no cistern at all.'
17 clever ideas for an ensuite bathroom |
We've found 17 stunning ensuite ideas for a stylish and practical ensuite bathroom. From clever partition wall ideas to divide the ensuite from the master bedroom – including sliding pocket doors, barn doors, modern Crittall doors and even just partition screens – to luxe details like lighting, tiles and brassware, these ensuite bathrooms all inspire in their own way.
There are ensuite ideas for small bathrooms too. Wood panelling can add texture to a small space, making it feel extra cosy. You could forego walls and instead zone the two areas by changing up the floor height – creating a step down (or step up) to a luxe bathing space. Or switch up the flooring itself – for example from wood or carpeting in the sleeping area to tiles around the bath or shower.
To remove the boundary between the bedroom and bathroom completely, why not move the bath to the bedroom instead? When done right, it can create a boutique hotel vibe.
Whatever your style, and whatever the size of your ensuite, you're bound to find an ensuite bathroom idea here for you.
1. Divide with sliding barn doors
Divide your ensuite bathroom from the bedroom with sliding barn doors for a country-inspired look.
(Image credit: Paul Massey)
2. Divide the bathroom area with flooring and curtains
The below ensuite bathroom features two different types of flooring, separated by a lip to signify the change in wet area from dry area.
Get the look: The walls are not actually concrete but a painted plaster effect. The bath is a vintage find, which has been repainted. The pink curtains are from Lovely Home Idea.
(Image credit: Future)
3. Install a bath in the bedroom for a boutique hotel look
A bathtub in a bedroom creates a luxe, hotel-inspired vibe.
The freestanding bath below is framed by elegant panelling, with an en-suite shower room tucked beyond the new stud wall. The soft pink colourway is a good counterbalance to the simple, functional aspects of the room.
Get the look: The Tamar bath in polished finish, Drummonds. Taps, Catchpole & Rye. Curtains in Silk Wool Pink Champagne, Fox Linton. Quilt, designed by Emma.
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)
4. Choose space-saving pocket doors for small rooms
A small space between the master bedroom and ensuite bathroom below has been cleverly utilised as a dressing room . Two sets of sliding pocket doors separate the different spaces in a tidy way, without having doors swinging open and encroaching into this compact area.
(Image credit: Future)
5. Install Crittall-style doors for a modern look
Separate your ensuite bathroom from your master bedroom via Crittall doors – you'll want to move the loo to a separate powder room / cloakroom for privacy.
Get the look Porcelanosa sells similar marble tiles. Aston Matthews sells wall-mounted brass towel rails.
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
6. Add texture to small spaces with woodwork
Tongue and groove panelling in the ensuite bathroom below lend a rust, country look. A modern bath and modern bathroom fittings keep it fresh.
Get the look: Bathroom design by Amos & Amos. Panelling in Blue Gray, Farrow & Ball. Bath, Duravit. Tap, The Watermark Collection
(Image credit: James Merrell)
The serene grey bathroom scheme below features modern wall panelling, recessed nook storage and a roll top bath. Aside from giving the space texture, the panelling also helps to create a rustic, country-inspired look.
(Image credit: James Merrell)
7. Install a partition screen
Install a dividing partition wall to separate a bath or loo from your sleeping zone, like the designers achieved in this modern house in Mexico .
This way the bathroom is still connected to the bedroom area, but there's an element of privacy too.
(Image credit: Casa Etérea)
The dividing brick partition wall below creates a cool and convenient separation between the bedroom and walk-in shower.
(Image credit: James Merrell)
Similarly, the ensuite bathroom below is segregated from the bedroom by a partition wall.
(Image credit: Sean Litchfield)
8. Consider double doors that reveal a surprise feature
Double doors reveal an unexpectedly glamorous bathroom, with a feature wall of shimmery gold tiles. The metallic tiles really make this ensuite bathroom pop.
Get the look: This is the Barcelona Bath from vandabaths.com, price from £3,675 inc vat.
(Image credit: Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Tessuto Interiors)
9. Introduce floor pattern
Floor pattern works in small bathrooms too, as the below ensuite demonstrates.
The geometric floor tiles, freestanding tub and brass details keep this bathroom firmly on trend.
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)
10. Zone the different spaces
This stunning ensuite bathroom is connected to the master bedroom via a wide and open doorway, making the luxe bathing space feel part of the master suite.
(Image credit: Matthew Williams)
11. Brave a bold colour scheme
For a grown-up, chic and sultry look, dive in with a dark shade.
The ceiling and vanity below were painted the same bold blue as the bath, creating a cohesive look. The steel-framed shower enclosure acts as a contrast to the more traditional panelling and vanity. Wall-mounted taps, a wall-mounted towel shelf and a clear, acrylic side table all help to make this bathroom feel spacious.
Get the look: Floor tiles, Fired Earth. Bath, Aston Matthews. Towel rack, Soho Home.
(Image credit: Photography / James Merrell)
Who said bathroom lighting had to be boring? In this day and age there are numerous cool brands popping up, offering bathroom lighting that makes an impact.
(Image credit: uniquehomestays.com)
Or for a simple refresh, update your bathroom wall lights with some colourful new lampshades.
Get the look: Lampshades from Rosi de Ruig, wall lights from Tinsmith, mirror from Pottery Barn. Taps by Crosswater.
(Image credit: Interior Design by Studio Peake.)
13. Get a brassware update
Un-lacquered brass by Studio Ore adds warmth, modernity and glamour to this serene bathroom space. We love that striking modern pendant too.
Get the look: Un-lacquered brass by Studio Ore. Bathtub by Victoria & Albert. Floor tiles by Emery et Cie.
(Image credit: Photography / White Arrow)
14. Dive in with all-out opulence
It's easier to go OTT in a room you don't spend huge amounts of time in, as it'll be a pleasant surprise each time you see it rather than overkill. Here this flamboyant floral bathroom wallpaper has been teamed with richly veined marble and brass detailing to dramatic effect.
(Image credit: Matthew Williams)
15. Add an eye-catching mirror
The gorgeous bathroom mirror makes a great wake up call in this beautiful marble ensuite bathroom.
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)
16. Opt for a floating vanity for a contemporary look
The deep drawers in this wall-hung vanity unit provide ample room for towels and toiletries, while its 'floating' style frees up floor space.
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)
17. Heritage details
In a small space it makes sense to keep materials to a minimum, so the bath panel blends with the grey timber flooring. Heritage details such as the towel rail, mirror and wall lights add character to this loft ensuite bathroom.
Get the look: Find similar baths and basins at V+A Baths.
(Image credit: Future)
What is a suite, history of a suite
What is a suite, history of a suite
Music.
It is no coincidence that this most valuable form of art is compared with a state of mind, since one melody can cause aching sadness, while another will bestow joy and a surge of strength. Music has always surrounded a person: initially he heard it in the singing of birds and even in the sound of the wind, and then he himself began to create musical instruments and compose various motives. Subsequently, musical notation was invented and the first composers appeared, who constantly improved various musical forms to express their creative ideas. This is how the amazing genre of the "suite" arose, which, even after five centuries, captivates today's listeners with its figurative diversity and unpredictability.
Read the history of suite and many interesting facts on our page.
What is a suite
Suite. Historically, this genre term represents one of the varieties of multi-part cyclic forms of instrumental music.
And besides, this word, translated from French meaning “sequence”, is called a work consisting of several compositionally independent parts, but united by a single artistic thought.
Suites are currently divided into the following types:
Old-time dance suite . Initially, it was based on a certain sequence, united by one key and written in the simplest musical forms, contrasting in character with the popular dances of the Baroque era: allemandes, chimes, sarabandes, gigi. Subsequently, improving, the cycle was enriched not only with other dance compositions, but with pieces of other instrumental genres. One of the varieties of "suite" is "partita". The most famous today "old suites" and "partitas" belong to the pen of the great Johann Sebastian Bach.
Chamber "romantic suite" . This cyclic form is not limited to certain limits and is a cycle of diverse independent compositions, as a rule, of program content.
This type of "suite", which is characterized by pictorial representation, as well as a connection with folk art, is most clearly represented in the work of the German composer Robert Schumann.
Concert "orchestral suite" . This is a cyclic symphonic work, which includes several independent parts and, as a rule, has a program content. "Orchestral suites" made up of music for dramatic performances, operas, ballets and films gained great popularity.
Popular suites
N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov "Scheherazade" . This symphonic suite, unique in its beauty, consisting of four completed individual episodes, united by leitmotifs, paints a bewitching picture of the mysterious world of the East. In music, using enchanting rhythms and subtle nuances, the composer depicts the starry Arabian night, the charming storyteller Sheherazade, the formidable Sultan Shahriar and the fearless sea voyager Sinbad so vividly that the suite still remains one of the most popular works of classical music.
G. Sviridov "Metel" . This suite consists of nine delightful compositions with amazing pictorial quality. The composer, through musical sounds, talentedly illustrated not only the pictures of Russian nature and the imaginative world of Russia during the time of Pushkin, but also vividly displayed the character and strength of the mysterious Russian soul, which cannot be crushed.
A. Schnittke "Gogol Suite" . This outstanding work was created by the composer on the basis of music written for the play "Revizskaya Tale", which was based on several works by Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol. The talented innovation of Schnittke - polystylistics, in this work manifested itself in full.
R. Schumann Carnival . Twenty-two diverse pieces, inextricably linked by internal unity, vividly depict a festive atmosphere filled with various carnival characters. This suite cycle of contrasting miniatures based on four sounds, in terms of the depth of its conception and the boldness of the embodiment of musical material, and at the present time, does not cease to delight listeners and hold their attention throughout the entire composition.
I.S. Bach. "French Suite" No. 2 in C minor . This work introduces the listener into the atmosphere of ceremonial court life. In the suite, through dance music, the composer conveys various emotional states of a person: from joy to deep sorrow. The cycle includes six diverse dances written in the same key. In addition to the four compositions obligatory for the “old suites”: allemandes, chimes, sarabandes and gigi, the composer supplemented it with insert numbers: an aria and minuet .
The history of the suite
The history of the "suite", as an independent instrumental genre, originates in the distant Renaissance, and it should be noted that its appearance is associated with the art of choreography developing at that time. In those transitional times, there was a noticeable stratification of society, which was tangibly manifested not only in the financial situation, but also in the culture of behavior and the level of education.
This difference began to manifest itself in dances that previously did not have a class difference, but then divided into traditional, that is, born among the people and court staged, which allowed the rich to demonstrate their high status. Gradually, choreography was born, which helped ladies and gentlemen to master the ability to gracefully and nobly move.
In France in the 16th century, at festivities and balls, it was customary to combine some majestic dance in pairs, for example, “pavane” or “passamezzo” and a more mobile “galliard” or “saltarella”. Since the art of dance is always inextricably linked with music, the purpose of which in this case was only practical, composers, of course, created music for them. For such two-part sequences of slow and fast dances, similar melodic material was composed, which was then rhythmically transformed, for example, a smooth "pavane" was written in two-part meter, and a lively "galliard" - in three-part.
In the second half of the 16th century, the Frenchman Estienne du Tertre published such a pair dance and called it a "suite" for the first time.
A little later, composers began to add a third and then a fourth dance to the pavane and guilliard, thereby turning the cycle into a four-movement one. At the beginning of the next century, this musical innovation penetrated Germany, Italy and England. However, in those countries, composers initially did not confine themselves to strict limits, and therefore included and freely varied in the “suite”, the most diverse national dance compositions, which they creatively processed.
It should be noted that at the same time, the dance cycle gradually lost its everyday purpose and was reborn into an instrumental piece for music making. Intensively developing, the "suite" by the middle of the 17th century was finally modeled in the work of the German composer Johann Froberger. His four-part cycle, later recognized as a classic, was formed from dances that contrast in character, rhythm and tempo: allemandes, chimes, sarabandes and gigi, following one after another in a certain order.
These pieces were united only by the fact that they were all written in the same key.
The entire composition began with "Alemanda" - a four-beat dance at a moderate pace, often stated in a polyphonic style. The next dance is a mobile three-beat “Courante”, followed by a three-beat mournful “Sarabande” and the cycle ends with a three-beat fast-paced fugue “Giga”. Over time, composers, developing the form of the suite, began to include other dances in the cycle, for example, minuet, passacaglia, gavotte, chaconne, ecossaise, rigaudon and bure, and in addition even plays that had nothing to do with dance art: prelude, aria , Toccata. In connection with such creative improvisation by the author, the number of numbers in the cycle has ceased to be regulated, for example, the French composer Francois Couperin has more than twenty in one of his suites. In addition, if previously the suites were intended to be performed on only one instrument: harpsichord, lute, cello, violin, flute, then later, under the influence of theatrical music, they began to be composed for the orchestra.
Some of the early orchestral suites that have come down to us are written by the German Baroque composer Georg Muffat, inspired by the works of the Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Lully. All this suggests that at that time the "suite", which was also called "Suite de danses", "Ordre" and "Partita", gaining more and more popularity, continued to develop rapidly, and each composer approached the composition of the members in his own way. her numbers. The Englishman Henry Purcell often began his "suites" with a prelude, and the Frenchman Lully with an overture. All early achievements in the "suite" genre were taken up and summarized by the great Johann Sebastian Bach . In his work, the "suite" reached an unprecedented flowering and the true pinnacle of its development. The composer, creating numerous suites for clavier, violin, cello and various instrumental ensembles, rethought the genre, filled it with a deep and penetrating feeling. Without departing from the old foundations of combining dance compositions, he modified the structure of the cycle and improved it in such a way that he raised the "suite" to the level of the highest art.
It cannot be ignored that a significant contribution to the development of the "suite" at the same time was made by a German, English composer Georg Friedrich Handel . His "suites" are as famous today as the "suites" of Bach.
From the second half of the 18th century, sad times began for the "suite", as composers began to devote all their attention to such genres as the sonata and the symphony . The term as such practically ceased to be used, and the structure of the genre found its place in serenades, divertissements and cassations.
The revival of the "suite" falls on the first half of the 19th century. This cyclical form again attracts the attention of composers, while being filled with new content, which is often programmatic. The parts in the romantic "suites", the number of which varied freely, did not have an obligatory dance character and were not connected by one key. Vivid examples of such works are "suites" by Robert Schumann , among which special attention should be paid to "Carnival", "Butterflies", "Fantastic Pieces" and "Children's Scenes".
In the second half of the 19th century, the term "suite" again became very popular. Even in ballet performances, they began to call it a sequence of contrasting, but connected by the same theme, dance numbers. This word increasingly began to appear on the title pages of symphonic works by composers. Georges Bizet composed two orchestral suites from his music composed for A. Daudet's drama "The Arlesian", and then, following his example, Edvard Grieg created two musical cycles called " Peer Gynt ". After that, composers began to pay special attention to this genre. In the creative arsenal of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky appeared three non-program symphonic suites, but a little later Mocertiana and a suite from the music of the ballet The Nutcracker. Among the most famous "suites" written in that period, it is worth noting "Scheherazade" Rimsky-Korsakov , created based on oriental tales, Dvorak's "Czech Suite", the musical material of which is based on folk dance traditions, the famous "Carnival of the Animals" by Saint-Saens and Lyadov's "Eight Russian Folk Songs for Orchestra".
In the 20th century, composers also worked enthusiastically in the "suite" genre. Such outstanding works as the ballet suites " Firebird " and "Petrushka" by Igor Stravinsky, "Romeo and Juliet", "Cinderella" by Sergei Prokofiev, "Gayane" by Aram Khachaturian were created. A little later, composers began to compose suites from film music. This is how the suites of Georgy Sviridov "Snowstorm" and " Time, go! ", as well as "Hamlet" by Dmitry Shostakovich.
Remembering the suites created in the 20th century, Alfred Schnittke's "Gogol Suite" and "Suite in the Old Style" cannot be ignored, as well as the outstanding "Carmen Suite" by Rodion Shchedrin, based on the themes of Georges Bizet's opera.
Interesting facts characteristic of that time. Five centuries have passed, but among the great variety of musical genres suite has not gone into the past, but still remains one of the most popular musical forms. Having undergone considerable changes, at the present time it appears before the listeners in all the abundance of its variants. The suite is a string of amazing compositions that can be compared with collections of fascinating stories. Like this page? Share with your friends: Suite SUITE AS THE MAIN GENRE IN THE PIANO WORKS OF CLAUD DEBUSSY Kuleshova Svetlana Sergeevna teacher G. Struve Zheleznogorsk At the turn of the twentieth century, Paris was rightfully considered the center of European art, the legislator of new artistic ideas and trends that contributed to the emergence of masterpieces of impressionist painting and music. This direction is associated with the names of such painters as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edouard Monet, composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. The birth of musical impressionism was preceded by a period that music historians call the "period of national renewal". At this time, chamber and symphonic works were popular, and interest in folk music was growing. Central to this era were the outstanding symphonists Caesar Franck and Camille Saint-Saens. They sought to strengthen the achievements of late Romantic musical culture in France - the program symphonism of Franz Liszt, the operatic reforms of Richard Wagner. In the struggle against academicism, musical impressionism, which is associated with the names of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, took an active position. It was they who said a new word in the development of French music. Claude-Achille Debussy was born in 1862 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye near Paris. The composer's childhood was bleak. He grew up as a silent, withdrawn child. The best days of Debussy's childhood were spent in the house of the godfather Arosa, who was a true connoisseur of art. It was Arosa who witnessed the first sketches of Claude. He introduced the future composer to the Italian musician Cerutti. The musician gave little Claude several piano lessons, and from that moment the music captured the boy. In the house of Arosa, Debussy met Antoinette Mote de Fleurville, a former student of F. Chopin, who, seeing great abilities in the boy, began to study with him. Later, Debussy would say that it was thanks to de Fleurville that he learned a lot about Chopin's work and Debussy's love for this composer would remain with him for life. In 1873, eleven-year-old Claude entered the Paris Conservatory, where he completed his studies in 1884. For three years, Debussy took a solfeggio course with A. In parallel with his piano lessons, Debussy is among the students of E. Guiraud's composition class. In his teacher, the student has found an attentive mentor. Guiro supports the young composer, giving him complete freedom of development [5, p.12]. At this time, the bright individuality of Debussy is already guessed. Thanks to Giro's guidance, he won the Prix de Rome in 1884 with the cantata The Prodigal Son. The victory in the competition for the Rome Prize gave the composer the right to a three-year stay in Italy. It was there that he discovered the work of Orlando Lasso and Palestrina. Acquaintance with Giuseppe Verdi also turned out to be a bright event; Liszt's play made an unforgettable impression on the young Debussy. Upon his return to Paris, Debussy communicates with poets, impressionist painters, learns about the latest aesthetic ideas. The composer dreams of original art, based on impressions of the surrounding nature. In 1889, Debussy visited the World Exhibition in Paris, where he got acquainted with the musical culture of China, Java, and Vietnam. The concerts of the exhibition also featured works by Glinka, Dargomyzhsky, Borodin and Mussorgsky. Now the Russian original art was opened to the composer in full measure. Debussy realized that the study of the musical aesthetics of the Russian school would contribute to the renewal of the means and genres of French music. Piano music occupies one of the main places in Debussy's work. The composer turns to the piano throughout his life. It was in piano music that Debussy's work underwent evolution - from the early period (influenced by romantic composers) to the late period, in which Debussy created his own original style. In his works, the composer tries to convey the mood, the feeling of everything he saw. In his piano work, Debussy prefers the suite, as a genre consisting of independent pieces, or individual miniatures. In these works, the composer reveals the image from various sides, using numerous colorful shades. In 1888-1891 Debussy's first piano compositions appear. These are "Arabesque", "Romantic Waltz", "Nocturne". The influence of F. Chopin (“Arabesques”), E. Grieg (“Romantic Waltz”), R. Schumann (“Nocturne”) is noticeable here. At 1890, Debussy creates the first piano cycle - "Suite Bergamas". The suite combines the genre traditions of harpsichordists and impressionists. Using old genres, Debussy interprets them in a different way, in accordance with the new trends of the time. The suite includes four pieces: "Prelude", "Minuet", "Moonlight", "Paspier". The next work is the suite "For Piano", consisting of three numbers: "Prelude", "Sarabande", "Toccata". Here, Debussy showed the features of classicism - the choice of genre, the clarity of the form of each play. But at the same time, the virtuoso flight of Chopin and Liszt is clearly audible. Prints appear in 1903. The term "print" is borrowed from the field of painting and graphics. In the period from 1901 to 1905, Debussy created the "Images" cycle. This is the first series consisting of three pieces: "Reflection in the Water", "Initiation of Ramo", "Movement". The most popular of this cycle is the play Reflection in the Water. This is one of the most striking works that convey the image of nature. A calm pace, ascending and descending chords conjure up evenness, transparency of the water surface. Continuous passages appear in the middle part, there is a change of keys and tempo - all this creates a feeling of gradually rolling waves, the culmination shows the full power of the sea element. But, as happens in nature, everything gradually calms down, the movement stops - and again the sea is smooth and serene. The next work in Debussy's favorite genre was the Children's Corner suite, which the composer composed for his daughter. I must say that, despite the name, the works in the suite are difficult for children to perceive - this also applies to form, texture, and the composer's programmatic intention. The appearance of the suite is a kind of tribute to the Russian composers P. Tchaikovsky ("Children's Album") and M. Mussorgsky ("Pictures at an Exhibition"), whose work Debussy admired. The cycle consists of six works: "Doctor Gradus on Parnassus", "Elephant's Lullaby", "Serenade to a Doll", "Snow Dancing", "The Little Shepherd", "Puppet Cake". The most striking and expressive work of the suite, conveying all the beauty of nature, "Snow is dancing". The play strikes with subtlety of shades. The composer associates swirling snowflakes with droplets. Uniform unhurried movement, airiness - conjures up a picture of snowflakes slowly falling to the ground. Debussy skillfully embodies a phenomenon of nature, which would seem impossible to convey with music, in the piece: the use of a background of even sixteenth notes throughout the work, a combination of various rhythmic patterns, colorful harmonies and, of course, very skillful use of the pedal. A bright spot is also the work “Puppet Cakewalk”, which can be attributed to genre paintings in terms of subject matter. In the play, Debussy expressed irony towards American sharply rhythmic dances. The style of cakewalk is close to ragtime - syncopated rhythm, pauses on strong beats of the measure are typical features of this dance. The pinnacle of Debussy's piano work is the two volumes of "Preludes", which can be said to be an encyclopedia of all the composer's most characteristic musical content and style [3, p.313]. 24 preludes are diverse miniatures with program names. Turning to the prelude genre, Debussy completed the development of this genre in Western European music. Compared to Chopin's preludes, which reflect the fullness of human experiences and have a certain dramatic design, Debussy's preludes are notable for the variety of pictorial and poetic themes and the bright color of the language; they have little sense of the interconnection of all or part of the preludes. Debussy's Preludes is a cycle of miniature musical paintings, each of which contains an independent artistic image. The form of the majority of preludes has signs of reprise, always giving the play greater integrity, completeness [3, p.315]. In some preludes, Debussy's evolution is noticeable from complicated decorative writing to constructive clarity, to an emphasized primitiveness of rhythm and texture. In the later style of the composer, there is a departure from some extremes of impressionism towards simplicity, sometimes borrowed from the experience of early French music [4, p. Studying Debussy's piano heritage, one can say that the composer's penchant for the genre of miniature remains constant, as well as his appeal to cycles (suites, preludes). Debussy tried to move away from the academic forms of the work - he did not write sonatas, concertos, improvisation was close to the composer, because sensations, impressions cannot be limited by any framework. Debussy makes a great contribution to the field of means of musical expression. The value of the melody as an expressive element is weakened, and the leading place is occupied by the harmonic language [2, p.289]. The texture and metro-rhythm were also enriched, which contributed to a more figurative transmission of the content of the works. The creative legacy of Debussy is an invaluable contribution to the treasury of French and world culture [4, p.31]. A generation of musicians in many countries was influenced by the style of the impressionist composer: in France - Ravel, Dukas, in Poland - Shimanovsky, in Russia - Stravinsky, in Hungary - Bartok.
After a suicide attempt, when fishermen pulled Schumann out of the cold waters of the Rhine at night, he was paralyzed through a crowd in carnival masks that was moving towards him. After that, he ended up in a psychiatric hospital, where he ended his short life. 
Suite as the main genre in the piano work of Claude Debussy.
Frank combined his interest in the innovations of symphony with mastering the experience of the old German polyphonists. Frank's students, adherents of his creative ideas, wrote symphonies and poems according to academic canons, which were no longer of interest to a wide range of listeners. Musical academicism dominated the Paris Conservatory for a long time. Professors prevented the penetration of new artistic ideas. French composers turned either to Wagner's operatic system or to the aesthetics of naturalism. But neither direction left a deep mark on the musical culture of France. Alfred Bruno and Gustave Charpentier referred to the everyday life of "little people". But the abuse of external illustrativeness and the lack of a generalizing melody prevented these works from becoming popular. 
Lavignac. The professor, seeing the giftedness of the student, tried in every possible way to develop him, supporting Claude's interest in unusual rhythms and harmonies. From the autumn of 1875, Debussy moved to the piano class of A. Marmontel, the famous French teacher, who taught J. Bizet, E. Guiraud. The teacher did not like that the student devotes little time to the development of technology. Meanwhile, Debussy is more interested in studying the work of harpsichordists, Viennese classics, and romantic composers. At the exams, he impresses the jury with his interpretation of Bach's preludes and fugues. Also, Debussy the pianist was awarded for the performance of the Concerto in F minor and Chopin's Second Ballade. One day Marmontel introduces Debussy to Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck, who was a connoisseur of Russian music and provided financial support to N. Rubinstein and P. Tchaikovsky. In the house of N.F. von Meck Debussy spent two consecutive summers playing four hands with her and taking piano lessons with her daughters.
Trips to Russia revealed to the composer all the beauty of Russian music. Here he gets acquainted with the work of Tchaikovsky and with the composers of the Mighty Handful. The works of Mussorgsky were especially close to him, which subsequently prompted him to stylistic searches. 
There are three main themes in Debussy's piano works: pictures of nature, the embodiment of genre scenes, works based on fairy tale motifs. The style of the piano works contained a multifaceted texture, a complex harmonic language, and a changeable rhythmic pattern. A special role in the works of Debussy is played by the pedal, which requires certain skills from the performer. In his works, the composer leaves author's instructions for the performers, helping to reveal the image and find the right colors to convey the mood. Debussy believed that it was necessary to subordinate the technical capabilities of the instrument to the disclosure of the artistic task. The composer's piano sounds in a new way - the possibilities of the instrument in terms of timbre and sound have expanded. 
Thus, Debussy's penchant for free improvisational genres is manifested. 
The suite embodies moods from the interpenetration of music and painting. The titles of the plays included in the "Prints" also have pictorial titles - "Pagodas", "An Evening in Grenada", "Gardens in the Rain". Pagodas is a term borrowed from architecture. So called buildings of a cult nature. This is either a repository of sacred objects, or multi-tiered towers used as temples. In "Pagodas" Debussy conveys his ideas about architecture, customs of Asian countries. The nature of the work is majestic, this is achieved by covering a large range - the simultaneous sounding of the extreme registers of the piano without filling the middle, which allows you to create a three-dimensional effect. The play "An Evening in Grenada" combines the color of Spanish music and the colorful harmony characteristic of Debussy. There is no long development of themes in the work. It consists of small constructions, which characterizes the change of pictures of the life of the Spanish people. The integrity of the composition is given by the rhythm of the habanera, which permeates the entire work.
"Gardens in the rain" is a work that fully reveals its programmatic intent. Against the background of continuously sounding sixteenths, there are separate sounds that convey "droplets" of rain. The gradual transition from minor to major symbolizes the appearance of the sun and the flowering of nature. 
According to the subject matter, preludes can be divided into four main areas:
30]. 
