Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

    Debussy is regarded as one of the most influential composers on twentieth century music. As an impressionist composer, he wrote mainly for orchestra and piano; however, he completed one opera in his lifetime. His orchestral works call for a large orchestra that he rarely used for loud sounds, calling often for muted instruments. In his piano compositions, he frequently masked the chord structure by use of figuration and use of the damper pedal. Some of his most famous works consist of Prelude a L'Apres, La Mer, Nocturnes, Pour le piano, and Children's Corner.