Impressionist Music: A Comprehensive Introduction to Masterpieces of the Impressionist Movement That Enliven Classical Music History
The new musical trend that emerged in early 20th-century France, known as Impressionism.
Composers such as Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel—emblematic figures of the Impressionist movement—released many delicate works in an effort to express, through music, the play of light and the subtle gradations of color.
In this article, we highlight masterpieces from Impressionist music that have been performed and cherished by a wide range of artists up to the present day.
We’ll offer a thorough introduction to each piece, along with its distinctive features and the background of its composition.
Playlist
| Impressionist Music: A Comprehensive Introduction to Masterpieces of the Impressionist Movement That Enliven Classical Music History | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | Prélude to the Afternoon of a FaunClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | Claude, a composer who represents French Impressionism… |
| 2 | The Symphonic Poem “La Mer” — Three Symphonic Sketches for OrchestraClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | Claude Debussy, the master of Impressionist music, is… |
| 3 | Chamber Concerto for Alto Saxophone and 11 InstrumentsJacques Ibert |  play_arrow | The French Impressionist composer Jacques Ibert… |
| 4 | Images for Orchestra: IberiaClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, F… |
| 5 | Play of WaterMaurice Ravel |  play_arrow | Maurice Ravel’s Jeux d’eau is a 19… |
| 6 | BoleroMaurice Ravel |  play_arrow | Maurice Ravel, a composer who represents French modern music, … |
| 7 | Island of JoyClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | Brimming with bold expressiveness and vivid color sense… |
| 8 | Suite bergamasque, No. 3: Clair de LuneClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | Debussy’s masterpiece, Suite bergamasque No... |
| 9 | Video, Volume 1, Track 1: ‘Reflections in the Water’Claude Debussy |  play_arrow | The shimmering sparkle of light reflected on the beautifully rippling water surface... |
| 10 | Symphonic Scherzo “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”Paul Dukas |  play_arrow | The French composer Paul Dukas is 19… |
| 11 | Gaspard of the NightMaurice Ravel |  play_arrow | Fla... who had a tremendous influence on modern classics |
| 12 | Sacred and Secular DancesClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | Among Claude Debussy’s works, the most impression— |
| 13 | Symphonic Suite “Ports of Call”Jacques Ibert |  play_arrow | The French composer Jacques Ibert is color... |
| 14 | Suite ‘Mirrors’ No. 4: ‘Alborada del Gracioso’Maurice Ravel |  play_arrow | Maurice, a quintessential figure of Impressionist music, … |
| 15 | Symphony in C majorPaul Dukas |  play_arrow | Active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century... |
| 16 | Barcarolle No. 9 in A minor, Op. 101Gabriel Fauré |  play_arrow | In a 6/8 meter that evokes an elegant lilt, the water… |
| 17 | Symphonic Poem “La Mer” — From Three Symphonic Sketches, II. “Play of the Waves”Claude Debussy |  play_arrow | An orchestral piece composed by Claude Debussy… |
| 18 | Symphonic Poem ‘The Sea’ — From Three Symphonic Sketches, I. From Dawn to Noon on the SeaClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | A masterpiece depicting a seaside scene on a summer morning |
| 19 | dreamClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | Debussy’s fantastical piano piece |
| 20 | Suite ‘Mirrors’: A Boat on the OceanClaude Debussy |  play_arrow | The melody of Debussy’s graceful little boat |
| 21 | Toccata from Le Tombeau de CouperinMaurice Ravel |  play_arrow | Ravel’s masterpiece commemorating World War I, an innovation in Baroque style |
| 22 | music boxCharles-Henry |  play_arrow | Elegantly express the tones of a music box |
| 23 | Pavane for a Newborn PrincessCharles-Henry |  play_arrow | Elegant music that celebrates the birth of life |