Apple Artist Request -  Tom Connell - 28th December 2025
Claude Debussy (1862–1918)
Claude Debussy was a French composer and one of the most influential figures in classical music, widely regarded as the father of Impressionism in music. Born on August 22, 1862, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, Debussy’s innovative use of harmony, texture, and tone revolutionized the landscape of classical music, pushing the boundaries of traditional forms and paving the way for modernism.

Debussy’s compositions are renowned for their rich, evocative textures and lyrical expressiveness, often inspired by nature, art, and literature. His most famous works, such as Clair de Lune, Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, La Mer, and Arabesque No. 1, showcase his mastery of orchestration and his ability to evoke mood and atmosphere through sound. With a preference for ambiguity and fluidity, Debussy often broke conventional structures, opting for unusual scales such as the whole tone scale, and creating music that defies simple categorization.

A key figure in the late Romantic and early Modern periods, Debussy’s music bridged the gap between the lush emotionalism of the 19th century and the more dissonant, experimental styles of the 20th century. His approach to rhythm, harmony, and tonality has had a lasting influence on generations of composers, including Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, and contemporary film score composers.

Debussy’s health was often fragile, and he faced personal and financial struggles throughout his life. Despite these challenges, his music continued to gain recognition, and he achieved a prominent position in the French music scene. He passed away on March 25, 1918, but his legacy endures as one of the most innovative and beloved composers in the classical canon.

The Claude Debussy profile on SoundCloud is dedicated to sharing his extensive catalog, offering listeners an opportunity to experience the depth and beauty of his works in a variety of interpretations. Whether through orchestral pieces, solo piano works, or new arrangements, this profile brings together the diverse facets of Debussy’s music for both longtime fans and new listeners to explore.

Founded in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world. In collaboration with the best conductors and guest artists on the international music scene, the CSO performs well over one hundred concerts each year at its downtown home, Symphony Center, and at the Ravinia Festival on Chicago’s North Shore, where it is in residency each summer. Music lovers outside Chicago enjoy the sounds of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through best-selling recordings and frequent sold-out tour performances in the United States and around the globe.

Visit cso.org for tickets and information.

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