Claude Debussy
Claude Debussy was a French composer born in 1862 near Paris. He was influenced by impressionist artists such as Monet, and was a key exponent of impressionist music, which appeared in the late 19th century and continued into the early 20th century. Debussy's most famous works include, 'Claire de la Lune', 'Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune,' and 'La Cathedrale Engloutie.' The piece that I have chosen to analyse is called, 'Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum,' and is part of a six-movement collection of piano pieces called 'Children's Corner,' published in 1908.
The idea behind impressionist music is similar to that of impressionist art: the sounds of impressionism should have the effect of suggesting an idea of the subject or the mood of the piece, but never revealing or stating it clearly.
Typical features of impressionist music include:
-Bi-tonality (using more than one key at the same time);
-Homophonic textures with parts often moving in parallel motion;
-Free rhythm and timing;
-Use of modes and whole-tone scales.
The idea behind impressionist music is similar to that of impressionist art: the sounds of impressionism should have the effect of suggesting an idea of the subject or the mood of the piece, but never revealing or stating it clearly.
Typical features of impressionist music include:
-Bi-tonality (using more than one key at the same time);
-Homophonic textures with parts often moving in parallel motion;
-Free rhythm and timing;
-Use of modes and whole-tone scales.