Debussy: The Quiet Revolutionary

Unlocking the Masters #13

by Victor Lederer, Claude Debussy (Composer)

Debussy's music, some of the greatest composed in the twentieth century, also ranks among the century's most challenging. His influence on other composers was enormous: Bart k, Stravinsky, Webern, Boulez, and Messaien all freely acknowledged their debt to their groundbreaking predecessor. Author Victor Lederer explores the extraordinary sophistication and refinement of Debussy's music, pointing out subtleties that otherwise could take years of careful listening to fully appreciate. He shows how the composer developed his own unmistakable sound from a variety of musical inspirations, including folk, medieval, the musical languages of Spain and Java, as well as the seventeenth-century French clavecinistes and his musical ancestor and idol, Chopin. Lederer also illustrates how Debussy's exquisite music, with its shimmering tonalities and bold harmonies, parallels the impressionist movement in painting. An accompanying full-length CD includes selections from the maestro's masterworks.

Genres: Music, Biography

148 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Libyrinths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for those unfamiliar with Debussy, or for those with an inadequate library of his works. The included CD has only a few samples of the works Lederer brilliantly describes, but except for Prelude d'Apres-Midi d'un Faune, those included are quite well-performed. The aforementioned is a good, but not superb performance. It lacks the brilliance and haunting quality of other performances. Some selections are ones you might not normally have even if you like Debussy, which is a plus.

Lederer follows Debussy's influences and evolution as a composer, and describes with lovely prose and insight his works for orchestra and piano. He shows how Debussy's innovations created a break with the past, and influenced later composers.

Lederer expects his readers have some familiarity with musical terms and ideas, and with other composers, such as Chopin. A wonderful deepening of insight into Debussy's music and influence on composing. And a chance to listen to music with which you are familiar with new ears.