| Description |
Debussy is one of the most significant twentieth century composers. Historically he is the summit toward which French music has risen during the two centuries since Rameau's death. He was the first composer to make a successful break from the romantic traditions of the nineteenth century, which were stifling music with emphasis on emotionalism, excess of instrumentation, length, and virtuosity; much the same as the way the rococo style with its particular set of conventions confined musical expression within the eighteenth century. We might say of Debussy that he was a modern Beethoven during enough to strike on the ground and explore new dimensions of expression. Both these masters opened doors to new paths that others followed. It was from Debussy that Schonberg derived his altered orientation. Alben Berg would have followed the overworked romantic traditions, were it not for the indirect influence of Debussy through Schonberg. |
