Claude Debussy

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(1862 – 1918)

Achille-Claude Debussy (August 22, 1862 – March 25, 1918) was a French composer. He was one of the most important figures in music at the turn of the last century; his music represents the transition from late-romantic music to 20th century modernist music.

Debussy’s music was completely unorthodox for its time. His pieces are often characterized by time signatures and rhythmic passages that evoke a feeling of flow rather than adhering to a rigid sense of time. His most dramatic contribution was his disregard for traditional ideas of chord structure and tonality. Elements of the Medieval modes are evident in his music, as well as frequent use of the whole tone scale to create a “dream-like” fluidity to his melodies. Some have also speculated that his more avant garde uses of harmony and rhythm stem partly from his interest in ethnic music, such as the music of Java, which he encountered as a young composer. An equally important contribution is his introduction of the whole-tone scale, in which 6 notes are spread evenly across an octave.

Debussy’s impact was far reaching. His free use of harmony, that often disregarded altogether the major/minor chord system based on thirds, has been cited as an influence on the rise of jazz music later in the 20th century. His piano music revitalised the medium. Debussy re-defined the potential of a very familiar instrument, and extended the range of compositional piano sonorities.

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classical, piano, impressionist, french, composers
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emaskye wrote:
Sunday afternoon

lol @ some of the tags for this artist

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televisionangel wrote:
Thursday evening

sonata for cello and piano is way good

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mateoosh wrote:
Wednesday evening

i have shivers when i listen to him

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WingedMusic wrote:
last month

I think "Clair the Lune" is so popular because of the Twilight-kids -__- But I hope they may hear more of Debussy's music and see how BEUATIFUL it is... And btw. I totally love the flute, viola and harp trios. I want to play it myself, just have to find a good viola player xD

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ilvwhatshisname wrote:
last month

There's a certain part in "La Mer" near the end of the first movement that absolutely astounds me. Each time I listen to it, I get shivers. :)

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ProGolfAddict wrote:
last month

I ♥ Claude Debussy... any relationship to Gary Debussy?

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wj32 wrote:
last month

Fantaisie for piano and orchestra is more underrated than anything else here. I doubt anyone's even heard of it.

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beatricesparks wrote:
last month

thanka you!

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autumnsoliloquy wrote:
last month

"La mer" is so underrated! Deserves more love!

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r3fus3d wrote:
last month

The Arabesques are my favorite.

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little_syrinx wrote:
last month

Syrinx <3

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damnchick wrote:
last month

Clair de lune, oo!

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osmila wrote:
last month

no puedo creer ke despues de tanto tiempo volvio a la vida este tremendo artista.... un exito

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indig0girl wrote:
last month

clair de lune. beautiful

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catinhacj wrote:
December 2009

Maravilhosas melodias!! *-*

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pixiosap wrote:
December 2009

me encanta

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notduncan wrote:
December 2009

You guys might like to check out an album by Anders Miolin. It's a few selected Debussy works performed solo on 10-string guitar. It presents quite a different way of hearing Debussy, as the colour is different to the piano. The album is on spotify, for those who use it. The full album title is "Debussy: 2 Arabesques, Preludes (Selections), Pour L'egyptienne"

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SheLovesMusik wrote:
December 2009

Clair de Lune. <333

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ExistenceMagick wrote:
December 2009

I HEAR RAVEL"S OPENING FOR HIM oh...... nevermind

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penumbrella wrote:
December 2009

[insert on tour joke here]

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