Claude Debussy

1862–1918

A French composer whose orchestral, piano, and chamber music explored new approaches to harmony, timbre, and form, including Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune and La mer.

2 pieces · 20th Century

Harp Orchestra DancePrelude

Musical context

Impressionism & Expressionism · 20th c.

Twentieth-century composers pursued many different responses to nineteenth-century traditions. Debussy explored new colors and harmonic relationships, Schoenberg moved beyond conventional tonality, and Stravinsky reworked rhythm and older forms. World wars, migration, recording, and broadcasting changed how music was made and heard. Later developments included electronic music and minimalism; no single style represents the entire century. Explore the era →