Debussy: A Biography

Author: B????
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: You can call it Impressionism, or you can call it Symbolism, but none of that matters, because for Debussy's music, all definitions are too limiting. His musical ideal is—breakthrough! Debussy's music was one of the earliest challenges to the traditional language of the 19th century. He did not want the formulaic harmonic procedures of the 19th century and designed a highly original "21-tone scale" to "drown" tonal consciousness. Similarly, his insatiable mind also challenged the traditional use of instruments in the orchestra. Debussy's works were pioneering forces in 20th-century music, embodying ideals pursued by many Impressionist painters and Symbolist writers of the time. Evaluating Debussy's works cannot be limited to musical standards alone. His friend once said: "You must seek the poetry in his music." His music contains not only poetry but also often inspiration from painting. Debussy himself once said: "I love painting almost as much as I love music." The fusion of painting and poetry may well be one of the manifestations of the richness of Debussy's music. Jean Barraqué, the author of this book, believes that so far, Debussy and his music have existed in a state of misinterpretation, and his richness cannot be simply summarized as Impressionism or Symbolism. Therefore, this book attempts to reinterpret Debussy and his music, restoring their true musical identity and life portrait.