Debussy: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1

Featuring

Jun Märkl
Orchestre National de Lyon
Claude Debussy

Did you know?

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Composer Biography

Debussy began piano lessons at age seven, continuing two years later with Verlaine's mother-in-law, who claimed to be a pupil of Chopin.

Composition History

Children's Corner, a set of piano pieces, was published in 1908 and written for Debussy's daughter, Emma-Claude, who was known as Chou-Chou.

Compositional Technique

Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune makes imaginative use of woodwind, two harps, and strings, with percussion limited to antique cymbals for sparing, telling effect.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Debussy is considered one of the most important and influential figures of the early 20th century, with his musical language suggesting new paths and his poetic use of the orchestra opening possibilities.

Cultural Impact

The printed score of Debussy's La mer featured Hokusai's 'The Wave' from 'Views of Fujiyama' on its front, demonstrating the influence of Japanese woodcuts.

Composer Biography

At eighteen, Debussy was employed by Tchaikovsky's patroness, Nadezhda von Meck, as a tutor to her children and house-musician.

Composition History

The three symphonic sketches of La mer were completed in 1905, during a difficult period in Debussy's life when he had left his wife and taken refuge with Emma Bardac.