PlayPiano

Composer

Claude Debussy

1862 to 1918

Play their music in PlayPiano

Interpretive sketch of Claude Debussy, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
On this page

Life and music

Debussy studied at the Paris Conservatoire and won the Prix de Rome in 1884. His music explored distinctive ways of shaping sound, and his piano collections include Children's Corner and two books of Préludes. The titles of the preludes appear at their ends, inviting reflection after the music rather than prescribing a scene in advance.

For a learner, the attraction is not only a beautiful melody. Try noticing how register, chord balance and silence change the atmosphere. A short work can demand careful listening and control of touch. Our discovery route moves from a compact character piece to a familiar movement and a broader prelude.

Sources

Where to start

  1. The Little Shepherd, Children's Corner No. 5Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Clair de lune, Suite bergamasque, L. 75Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
  3. La cathédrale engloutie, Préludes I No. 10Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro

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