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)
Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum from Children’s CornerClaude Debussy
This is a piano piece by Claude Debussy completed in 1908.
Children’s Corner consists of six pieces in total, and this is the first.
It is modeled after the set of études Gradus ad Parnassum by the Italian pianist and composer Muzio Clementi.
The piece is said to depict, with lively spirit, Debussy’s child Emma growing bored with piano exercises, and indeed its characteristic succession of notes evokes scale practice.
Yet rather than boredom, the beauty of the sonorities makes it sound as if she is actually enjoying herself.
Arabesque No. 2Claude Debussy
Claude Debussy, a master of French Impressionist music.
One of his early piano pieces, “Deux Arabesques,” is distinguished by its light, beautiful melody.
The frequent use of triplets that evoke delicate, arabesque-like patterns and the shifting harmonies are particularly appealing.
Composed between 1888 and 1891 when Debussy was in his twenties, this work retains traces of Romantic influence while offering a glimpse of his uniquely personal musical world to come.
It is also very popular among piano students, a piece that lifts the heart while letting one savor its harmonic charm.
It can be recommended to anyone who wants to experience the piano’s rich expressive power.
Debussy’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (31–40)
For Piano, No. 1: PreludeClaude Debussy
Pour le piano is a collection of three piano pieces completed by Claude Debussy in 1901.
It is a quintessentially Debussyan work that incorporates innovative techniques such as whole-tone and chromatic scales within the framework of the classical suite, and has been described as marking “the beginning of Debussy’s distinctive pianism.” The first piece, Prélude, is a dazzling work that demands both delicate touch and bold expression, offering tremendous satisfaction to perform.
For advanced players, it’s also recommended to play all three contrasting pieces as a set.
Romantic Waltz in F minorClaude Debussy
Claude Debussy’s representative work “Romantic Waltz in F minor” is an early piano solo piece composed in 1890.
Brimming with passionate momentum, it creates a fantastical atmosphere through its distinctive use of ornamentation and chords.
At the time, with his thirtieth birthday approaching, Debussy was in a transitional phase: while still following the Romantic tradition, he was gradually shifting toward his own unique musical language.
Throughout the piece, one can enjoy the striking use of waltz rhythms and a light, transparent character—an embodiment of Debussy’s distinctive charm.
The Symphonic Poem “La Mer” — Three Symphonic Sketches for OrchestraClaude Debussy
Claude Debussy, a master of Impressionist music, established his own musical style after studying at the Paris Conservatory.
His symphonic poem La Mer is a work that delicately and vividly depicts the sea’s various expressions.
It skillfully conveys subtle nuances of nature—such as the movement of waves, reflections of light, and the timbre of the wind—guiding listeners into seascapes.
This piece is an innovative work that opened up new possibilities in music, unconstrained by traditional symphonic form, and an ambitious attempt to depict sensations and atmospheres through sound.
Influenced also by Impressionist painting, Debussy’s music overflows with distinctive harmonies and a rich sense of color, and its beautiful melodies continue to captivate countless classical music enthusiasts.
Children’s Corner No. 2: Lullaby of the ElephantClaude Debussy
The second piece of Claude Debussy’s suite Children’s Corner, which he dedicated to his beloved daughter Emma, is “The Elephant’s Lullaby.” The “elephant” here refers to Emma’s favorite stuffed toy.
It’s a charming depiction of how, while singing a lullaby to the stuffed animal, Emma herself grows sleepy.
As you play its mysterious, exotic-sounding melody, the performer might start feeling drowsy too! Every now and then, why not take your time and savor piano playing with a gentle piece like this?
Symphonic Poem ‘The Sea’ — From Three Symphonic Sketches, I. From Dawn to Noon on the SeaClaude Debussy
A movement from Claude Debussy’s orchestral work that heralds the beginning of the day, evoking a scene of the glittering sea.
This piece paints, almost like a painting, the ocean’s transformation from the faint light of dawn to the dazzling midday sun, using the orchestra’s rich palette of colors.
Its delicate layers of sound leave listeners feeling cool and serene.
Though its first performance in October 1905 elicited a range of reactions, today it is cherished by many as one of Debussy’s masterpieces.
It’s a must-hear for anyone seeking refreshing music on a summer day or wishing to immerse themselves in beautiful melodies that spark the imagination.