Debussy’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
We introduce the works of Claude Debussy, a composer who represents France.
You can immerse yourself in the world of Impressionist music, which evokes abstract images of landscapes and people, through pieces such as Clair de Lune, Rêverie, and The Girl with the Flaxen Hair.
While he is often associated with piano and orchestral compositions, there are also many vocal works in which Debussy’s youthful talent shines—such as Nuit d’étoiles—composed when he was just 18.
Let yourself be captivated for a while by the beautiful melodies crafted by this great master of modern French music.
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Debussy’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (21–30)
Little Suite “Minuet”Claude Debussy
It’s a somewhat exotic minuet.
A minuet is a type of dance characterized by a gentle triple meter.
While this minuet adheres to the form’s rules, its atmosphere is unusual and Oriental in character.
It is performed with the mellow tone of the viola.
The original piece was composed as a piano duet between 1886 and 1889, but it was orchestrated by Henri Büsser, a French musician and friend of Debussy, and this version is performed as the third piece in that orchestral set.
Arabesque No. 2Claude Debussy
It may be the less famous of the two “Arabesques,” but it seems to have many admirers among those well-versed in piano.
Its light, graceful melodic lines are charming, and the distinctive Debussy harmonies that add accents here and there make it a stylish piece.
Starry NightClaude Debussy
Debussy is often associated with piano and orchestral compositions, such as Clair de lune from the Suite bergamasque and the orchestral work Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, but in fact he also left behind a large number of songs.
Among French art songs, one particularly popular piece is Nuit d’étoiles (Starry Night).
Its quintessentially French melody and Debussy’s distinctive harmonies resonate with great romanticism.
Composed when he was just 18, this work already showcases Debussy’s brilliance, making it a piece that truly lives up to its title, “Starry Night.”
Petite Suite: BalletClaude Debussy
It’s a very lively piece.
It’s full of adorable charm, as if tiny ballerinas who can’t even wear pointe shoes yet are bouncing and dancing about.
In the middle, there’s a special string technique called “sul ponticello.”
Clair de Lune from the Suite bergamasqueClaude Debussy
A gem among Debussy’s pieces, unquestionably in his top five masterpieces.
The delicate chords at the opening exquisitely depict the pale moonlight streaming through a window.
Although it is not highly demanding technically, achieving a perfect rendering of this resonance requires advanced skill.
little black person (little kurombo)Claude Debussy
Because the term “kuronbo” came to be considered a slur, it was renamed in modern times to “Little Black Boy.” It’s a short piece of about a minute, but its lively mood and comical harmonic progression make it very charming.
It’s often performed as an encore.
Video, Episode 1: “Reflections of Water”Claude Debussy
This is a beautiful piano piece by Claude Debussy that depicts the sparkle of light and ripples on the water’s surface through delicate timbres and flowing arpeggios.
The serene atmosphere of the waterside is masterfully expressed by the transparent melody in the right hand and the deep chords in the left.
The rich resonance created by layered tones and pedal work conveys the mysterious ambience of the world of water in all its nuance.
In the fluid middle section, the surface becomes more animated, then finally returns to stillness, allowing you to sense the many expressions of the waterside.
Although the harmonic progressions may appear complex, with slow and careful practice you can enjoy the overlapping sounds and lingering overtones as you play.
It’s a perfect piece for those who wish to explore the beauty and expressive power of the piano’s tone.