Debussy passepied

1. What is the story behind Debussy Clair de Lune?
2. What is the meaning of suite Bergamasque?
3. Why is it called Suite Bergamasque?
4. Is Clair de Lune a prelude?

What is the story behind 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 the meaning of suite Bergamasque?

Its title, which means "moonlight" in French, is taken from Verlaine's poem "Clair de lune". It is not to be confused with the two settings of the poem composed by Debussy for voice and piano accompaniment.

Why is it called Suite Bergamasque?

Debussy's Suite bergamasque is a prominent example of this style. The name of this piano piece was inspired by his friend Paul Verlaine's poem “Clair de Lune.” Verlaine had mentioned “bergamasks,” in the poem - a clumsy dance performed by the inhabitants of Bergamo.

Is Clair de Lune a prelude?

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.