Great Composers in Words & Music: Claude Debussy

Introduction

Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, L. 86 (Bars 1-5)

For the 20th-Century Composer and Conductor Pierre Boulez

VI. Golliwogg's Cake-Walk (Excerpt)

That Was an Extract from Debussy's Six-Movement Piano Suite

Nuit d'étoiles, L. 4 (Excerpt)

The Extent to Which Debussy's Love Affair with Mme Vasnier

IV. Cortège et air de danse (Excerpt)

Though He Had Gained the Highest Honours for "The Prodigal Son"

II. Modéré (1912 Version) [Orch. H. Büsser] [Excerpt]

Back in Paris, Debussy's Relationship with Mme Vasnier Gradually Fizzled Out

No. 2, Harmonie du soir (Excerpt)

If His Old Musical Comrades Seem to Have Deserted Him

Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, L. 86 (Bars 51-64)

"Faune" Was First Performed, with Debussy at the Piano

II. Assez vif et bien rythmé (Excerpt)

During This Time, Debussy Was Also Busy Composing Two Large-Scale Works

No. 3, Sirènes (Excerpt)

Debussy's "Nocturnes" Received Both Warm Applause and Frosty Criticism

Une forèt (Excerpt)

That Was an Extract from the Beginning of Debussy's First and Only Completed Opera

No. 2, Danse profane (Version for Harp & Solo Strings) [Excerpt]

It Was Also During This Post-"Pelléas" Period That Debussy Was Decorated

No. 1, Reflets dans l'eau (Excerpt)

Also About Water is the Third Movement

No. 3, Poissons d'or (Excerpt)

A New Period of Debussy's Life Was Soon to Begin

I. Par les rues et les chemins (Excerpt)

In 1909 a Group of Artists and Musicians from Russia Arrived

Jeux, L. 126 (Excerpt)

Interestingly, "Faune" and "Jeux" Were Not the Only Theatrical Works

Syrinx, L. 129 (Excerpt)

In 1914, Having Returned to Paris

No. 3, Pour les quartes (Excerpt)

In 1915, Debussy Once Again Departed Paris

No. 10, Canope (Excerpt)