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| Photograph of Claude Debussy by Atelier Nadar |
1. Early Talent: Debussy began piano lessons at the age of seven and entered the Paris Conservatoire at ten.
2. Prix de Rome: He won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1884 for his cantata "L'enfant prodigue."
3. Influence of Wagner: Early in his career, Debussy was influenced by the works of Richard Wagner, though he later sought to distance himself from Wagner's style.
4. Javanese Gamelan: Debussy was inspired by the Javanese gamelan music he heard at the 1889 Paris Exposition, influencing his use of non-Western scales and harmonies.
5. Impressionism: Although often associated with the Impressionist movement, Debussy himself disliked the term when applied to his music.
6. Synesthesia: Some scholars believe Debussy might have had synesthesia, allowing him to "see" music in colors and shapes.
7. Literary Inspirations: Debussy was deeply inspired by literature, including the works of poets like Stéphane Mallarmé and Paul Verlaine.
8. Rebellious Student: He was known for being rebellious and often clashed with his teachers at the Conservatoire.
9. Bohemian Lifestyle: In his youth, Debussy lived a bohemian lifestyle, mingling with artists and writers in Paris.
10. Pseudonym: He sometimes wrote music criticism under the pseudonym "Monsieur Croche."
11. Pelléas et Mélisande: His opera "Pelléas et Mélisande" broke away from traditional operatic forms, focusing on mood and atmosphere.
12. Japanese Influence: Debussy was influenced by Japanese art, particularly the woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige.
13. Nature Lover: Debussy often drew inspiration from nature, as seen in works like "La Mer" and "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune."
14. Child's Corner: He wrote "Children's Corner," a piano suite dedicated to his daughter, Chouchou.
15. Innovative Harmonies: Debussy is known for his innovative use of harmonies and scales, including whole-tone scales and pentatonic scales.
16. Piano Masterpieces: Some of his most famous piano works include "Clair de Lune," "Reverie," and "Deux Arabesques."
17. Early Employment: As a young man, he worked as an accompanist for singer Marie-Blanche Vasnier, who became his muse and lover.
18. Financial Struggles: Despite his later fame, Debussy often struggled financially in his early career.
19. Health Issues: Debussy suffered from poor health throughout his life and was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 1909.
20. World War I: The turmoil of World War I deeply affected Debussy, and he wrote some of his most poignant works during this time.
21. Piano Competition: Debussy once served as a judge for the piano competition at the Paris Conservatoire.
22. Only String Quartet: His String Quartet in G minor (1893) is his only work in this genre and remains highly celebrated.
23. Friends with Ravel: Debussy was friends with Maurice Ravel, though their relationship was also marked by rivalry.
24. Symbolism: Debussy's music is often associated with the Symbolist movement in literature.
25. Skeptic of Fame: Despite his success, Debussy was skeptical of fame and the commercial aspects of the music industry.
26. Musical Criticism: He was known for his sharp and often witty music criticism.
27. Architectural Influence: Debussy once said that his music was influenced by the architecture of Gothic cathedrals.
28. Teaching: Debussy was a private piano teacher for several students, although he was not particularly fond of teaching.
29. Marriage and Divorce: His personal life included a tumultuous marriage to Rosalie Texier, which ended in divorce, followed by marriage to Emma Bardac.
30. Buried in Paris: Debussy is buried in the Cimetière de Passy in Paris, where his grave is a site of homage for music lovers.