Claude Debussy's Musical Influence
Claude Debussy's Musical Influence
“Even though he grew up in France being a painter was more accepted than being a composer. His father thought that he would become a sailor. He had all the tools for a painter but he was said to have, having a musical ear, but of Debussy it could be said that he had the finest ‘musical eye’ of any composer” (Brown 16).
Claude Debussy is one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, loved by many people of different musical tastes. From his early childhood many people recognized his love of music, knowing that he was ready and willing to be a successful musician. Making people love and appreciate the deeper side of music was one of his personal goal; but not the only goal. Due to Claude’s determination, passion, rebelliousness, and sufferings, he changed the way many people approach music today.
Achille-Claude Debussy was born in St. Germain-en-Laye, on August 22, 1862. He remained silent throughout his childhood, maintaining a level of secrecy that no one could understand. Many believe that he was ashamed of his background, but no one has solid evidence. He wasn’t baptized into the church until 1864, leaving room for some speculation. “Out of the mystery have arisen vague questionings and inferences as to Debussy’s parentage, for which no sensible basis can be found” (Thompson 34).
It wasn’t until he reached the age of seven when he began taking piano lessons from Cerrutti, “who regarded him as nothing out of the ordinary” (Brown 16). Claude was regarded by many of his peers as an awkward and clumsy boy with a short, fat appearance reinforced by fat little fingers. He was even noted to be a shy and sociable outcast (Brown 16). He gave music his all, he never felt satisfied with his music. He wanted to be the best but he could not figure out why he was struggling. For the nest three years he studied music with Lavignac, making Claude into a better overall musician. “Lavignac could see Debussy’s talent and his individuality and inquisitive sense of invention.” He liked to do things his way, Lavignac admired Debussy’s intelligence and that helped him reassure the young man (Brown 19). He was determined to accomplish anything that he...