Give it a try
Claude Debussy
This legendary composer certainly makes an impression
The intricate, enchanting melodies of Claude-Achille Debussy (1862-1918) are still the source
of inspiration for many pianists today. In the instantly recognisable piano solo, “Clair de
Lune”, chains of seventh, ninth and eleventh chords sweep dreamily across the keys,
enriched with complex chromatic articulations. Debussy is often considered to
be the founder of impressionism, a sub-genre within the Romantic movement
in which the melody is designed to create images in the listener’s head. He was
also renowned for his use of tempo rubato, which involves slowing down or
speeding up your playing freely to add to the imagery you wish to create.
Enjoy the creativity of the Romantic period
Top tip
Painstakingly
particular pedalling
Debussy was very particular
about the way pedalling should
be used in his compositions. Try
using both of the pedals at once
in order to create the blurry,
bell-like sound that is so
characteristic of
his work.