Classical Music Class: Composer Claude Debussy

This course explores the unique style and aesthetics of the famous French composer Claude Debussy; his personal and professional connection to leading artists such as Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir or Paul Cézanne, and their artistic influence on his music. In this class, we will discuss some of Claude Debussy’s most well-known works, such as The Sunken Cathedral for piano solo, the second movement The Evening in Granada for him work Prints for piano solo, as well as the first movement Clouds from his larger work Three Nocturnes for Orchestra. Through deep analysis of some of Claude Debussy’s most beautiful music, we will explore his contribution to the development and evolution of musical elements such as texture, melody, form, harmony, dynamic, key, instrumentation and orchestration. We will discuss the reasons for why composers of the late Romantic era began to seek new sounds and music aesthetics, and how these composers contributed to the transition and transformation of music from the Romantic period aesthetics to the new and exotic sounds of the French Impressionism style. By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of what Claude Debussy’s music is all about, and new ways of listening to and understanding Classical music.

Who this course is for:

• Music lovers, beginners, intermediates, and musicians who would like to deepen their understanding of Debussy’ music; his aesthetics and personal musical signature.
• While the ability to read music can deepen your experience, it is absolutely not necessary. Beginners and intermediates are able to follow and enjoy the class equally. Music readers and musicians will be extra challenged using music scores.
• Students who are interested in music as well as art and the connection between them.
• This class is for you if would like to deepen your knowledge on the following: broaden your listening repertoire and familiarize yourself with some of the most beautiful ‘hidden’ jewels of Classical music, better understand the aesthetics of ‘Impressionistic’ music, learn/articulate your understanding of basic elements in music such as melody, harmony, texture, form, rhythm, and understand how and why music transitioned from the Romantic to the 20th century style.