Debussy analysis

1. What is the theme of the Debussy Clair de Lune?
2. What is Debussy musical style?
3. What is the role of Debussy?
4. What are the musical elements of Clair de Lune?

What is the theme of the Debussy Clair de Lune?

'Clair de lune' takes its title from an atmospheric poem by the French poet Paul Verlaine which depicts the soul as somewhere full of music 'in a minor key' where birds are inspired to sing by the 'sad and beautiful' light of the moon.

What is Debussy musical style?

Impressionism, in music, a style initiated by French composer Claude Debussy at the end of the 19th century. The term, which is somewhat vague in reference to music, was introduced by analogy with contemporaneous French painting; it was disliked by Debussy himself.

What is the role of Debussy?

French composer Claude Debussy's works were a seminal force in the music of the 20th century. He developed a highly original system of harmony and musical structure that expressed, in many respects, the ideals to which the Impressionist and Symbolist painters and writers of his time aspired.

What are the musical elements of Clair de Lune?

Debussy uses both the character of baroque dance and ternary form in Prelude, Menuet, and Passepied, and ternary form in “Clair de Lune.” He applies some distinguishing elements from Baroque dances to the three pieces with dance titles, while using the structure of ternary form. The Prelude uses ternary form.