Debussy Images

First fully performed in 1913

Written over 7 years.

Listening Guide

Movement 1: Gigues (a lively dance)
Use of a Northumbrian Keel Row see if you can spot it’s jaunty rhythm.

Movement 2: Ibéria (Ibéria refers to the peninsular that is now Portugal and Spain)
Note: Ibéria has 3 movements - there is no break between movements 2 and 3.

• Movement 1: Par le rues et les chemins (by the roads and paths)
  Listen to the Spanish castanets and tambourine.
  
• Movement 2: les parfums de la nuit (perfumes of the night)
  Listen to the dreamy, legato oboe solo.
  
• Movement 3: le matin d’un jour da fete (the morning of a public holiday)
  The violins are strummed like guitar.

Movement 3: Rondes de printemps (Dances of spring)
The high string tremolo evokes memories of winter.


CLAUDE DEBUSSY 1862 – 1918

French, impressionist composer.

Debussy played the piano from a young age, but gave up the idea of becoming a professional pianist when he was a teenager.

Debussy wrote his first composition in 1880.

Impressionism – a style or movement that originated in 19th century French art. The aim was to evoke a mood or feeling, to blur strict lines and form and replace with an impression.

Impressionism in music – Debussy used orchestral instruments in new ways to create his distinctive style, blending the different orchestral timbres and exploring the use of articulation.