My most recent biography read is Claude Debussy, by Frederick Jensen. I like to play piano, although I don’t play well. I am entranced by nostalgic and romantic music, so Debussy is a favorite. The biography has a few sections on the details of Debussy’s life and a few sections on the actual music he composed. Debussy was French and he was determined not to follow the conventions prevailing in regard to classical music composition. As is typical, he showed musical talent early and attended a prestigious musical conservatory. From the start he was a contrarian, one who literally danced to his own music.
His disavowal of the expected structures and forms of music drew stiff pushback from those who ruled the then-current music world. It initially caused difficulty for his career, but his work found an audience and became too popular to ignore. The “Debussy school” of composing arose as others were willing to compose in an unconventional manner. Debussy did not welcome this, he was very uncomfortable with fame and felt it might compromise his independence.
Debussy was a relatively slow worker, and left many projects unfinished. Partly due to this, he was in constant financial trouble and dependent upon the generosity of various patrons. He also took jobs conducting, which he did not particularly enjoy, and writing music criticism, which allowed us more insight into his thoughts about making good music. He had other issues in his personal life, with marriages that were ultimately unhappy. He could be a cantankerous and difficult person, traits that are common in revolutionary geniuses in any field.
Much of the music is sublime. It was not as appreciated in his lifetime as it is now. I would encourage you to listen to a few pieces beyond the well known Clare de Lune of Oceans Eleven fame, and you will appreciate the entrancing beauty of his compositions. The biography is spare but gives you the essence of Debussy and his music.
