Debussy: Mélodies

Featuring

Thierry Felix
Stany David Lasry
Claude Debussy

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Historical Context

The song 'Noël des enfants qui n'ont plus de maisons' (Christmas of the children who have lost their homes) was Debussy's last, written in 1915 as an anguished response to his country devastated by war.

Compositional Technique

Debussy's songs demonstrate his harmonic development, progressing to daring refinements that sometimes approached atonality, distinct from Schönberg's style.

Recording & Production

The piano used in this recording is an 1874 Erard concert piano, courtesy of the Château de Champs-sur-Marne.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Debussy's entire oeuvre, especially his mélodies, is defined by Paul Verlaine's motto, 'Take hold of eloquence and wring its neck,' reflecting his approach to the French language.

Compositional Technique

Debussy's genius for rhythmical innovation allowed him to create an infinitely flexible framework for his melodic recitative, which generally avoids large intervals, emphasizing nuance in his vocal works.