Claude Debussy Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Bergamasque Suite No. 1: PreludeClaude Debussy57rank/position

Debussy / Suite bergamasque: 1. Prélude / Performed by Ichiro Kaneko

Although the third piece, Clair de lune, is by far the most famous from Claude Debussy’s Suite bergamasque, the subject here is the first piece, Prélude.

Characteristic of Debussy—sometimes called the “painter of the piano”—its richly colored melodies evoke painterly imagery and are exquisitely beautiful.

True to its title, the emotionally charged development that hints at the beginning of something makes it a fitting choice even for the heat of summer.

Rather than being a tightly balanced, meticulously constructed work, it bears the indication of a free tempo, so the atmosphere can vary with each performer’s sensibility.

With that in mind, I recommend listening to performances by multiple pianists.

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Bergamasque Suite No. 2 “Minuet”Claude Debussy58rank/position

Menuet – Suite Bergamasque (Debussy) Debussy – Menuet – Suite Bergamasque – pianomaedaful

One of the pieces from Claude Debussy’s Suite bergamasque that exudes a light, charming character.

Marked by its elegant 3/4 rhythm, it draws on a classical dance form while incorporating Debussy’s distinctive impressionistic elements.

Conceived around 1890 and published in 1905, this work showcases the brilliance of Debussy’s early talent.

Gentle melodies alternate with powerful chord progressions, instilling in listeners a sense of elegance and transience.

Even piano beginners can fully savor Debussy’s unique sound world through this piece.

Bergamasque Suite “Passepied”Claude Debussy59rank/position

Debussy: Suite bergamasque, No. 4 “Passepied”

This is an early Debussy piano solo piece composed around 1900.

It is the fourth movement of a suite consisting of four pieces.

The title “Passepied” refers to a type of dance characterized by light, nimble steps.

The lively character in the left hand embodies the very essence of a passepied, while the right hand’s melody carries a somewhat wistful, poignant quality.

It’s a mysterious and fantastical finale.

The piece has also drawn attention from fans of Dragon Quest music, as its motif is strikingly similar to the field BGM “Into the Vast World” from the first installment of the hugely popular game series.

Although I wrote “around 1900” at the outset, the piece was actually composed in 1890 and a revised version was published in 1905.

If you have access to recordings, why not enjoy comparing the differences between the original version and the revision?

Bergamasque Suite “Menuet”Claude Debussy60rank/position

Debussy / Suite bergamasque: II. Menuet / Performance: Ichirō Kaneko

This piece is the second of the four movements in the Suite bergamasque, an early piano work by the French composer Claude Debussy, who is often said to mark the beginning of Impressionist music.

In the opening, the melodic line is actually split between the right and left hands in alternation, and performing it so that it sounds like one continuous melody requires a high level of technique.

The piece has a charming, slightly playful character.

Bergamasque Suite “Prélude”Claude Debussy61rank/position

PTNA 2013 National Final Competition / Grade E, Silver Prize, Akito Watanabe – Debussy: Prelude from Suite bergamasque

It is the first piece of the Suite bergamasque, which also includes the famous Clair de Lune.

With its deep, rich sonorities at the opening, it instantly draws the audience into Debussy’s painterly world.

The piece is interwoven with his characteristic techniques throughout, making it one that never grows tiresome.

Clair de Lune from the Suite bergamasqueClaude Debussy62rank/position

Debussy: Clair de lune

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.

From Suite bergamasque: No. 4, PassepiedClaude Debussy63rank/position

Claudio Arrau – Suite Bergamasque – Passepied – Debussy

The piano suite Suite bergamasque was begun by Debussy around 1890, when he was 28, and published in 1895.

Its impressionistic, vividly colored harmonies are beautiful and tinged with sadness.

Passepied is originally a dance in triple meter, but this piece is composed in quadruple meter.